Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 21, 2018
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
“Son if you were me, would you take the chemo”? was Momma’s question to me after a sobering visit to her oncologist the day before. Guardedly, I replied, “I don’t know”. Having anticipated she might ask my advice, I went on. “If I knew I would have five or six months more of quality living I would, but if it meant only another month of misery I would not”. Then I wept. And only as a mother can, she comforted me. Three days later she decided not to take the chemotherapy and she died in her sleep. Permission to die granted to herself, she was escorted into eternal love.
Jesus faced death and with the finality of knowing He had finished the work of providing salvation for all who believe and glorifying His heavenly Father on earth, he voluntarily declared, “It is finished.” He committed His spirit to the One who gives life to our spirit. With permission from heaven to go back to heaven, Jesus was escorted by 10,000 angels into glory. Eternal love had entered earth, so He could love His creation first hand. As recipients of His love we are to go and do likewise until we breathe our last. Yes, Jesus breathed His last on our behalf!
“A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit” (John 19:29-30, The Message).
Is there someone or something you need to give permission to die? A friend or family member who has been lingering may need for you let go of them in love. Release them to be released from their pain and suffering to go be with their Savior Jesus. Or, a relationship may need to be taken off of the breathing machine for a season, until new life can be breathed back into the lungs of your love for each other. Death is a passage to new beginnings. Permission to die leads to life.
Perhaps you have experienced the death of a vision, but your stubborn spirit still clings to its corpse. The Holy Spirit is the incubator of God-given visions, so learn from your last endeavor and lean into the eternal love of your Lord. Let Him birth a new vision in your heart. Grieve over a stillborn vision—but focus on the face of Jesus—your ultimate vision. Whatever in your life teeters on the verge of death, give it permission to die, so all might experience new life.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me courage and love to let go of something or someone who lingers on the verge of death, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What vision do I need to entrust to the Lord so as to rebirth it for His glory?
Related Reading
Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 53:7; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 2:23
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Grieve over a stillborn vision—but focus on the face of Jesus—your ultimate vision. #wisdom hunters #death
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