Assurance

“Into your hands.”

Christ’s confident surrender to God shows that life continues after death, assuring us of salvation.

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23:44–46

Moments before his final breath, Jesus quotes Psalm 31:5, a psalm Jews used as an evening prayer. Amid his anguish, he prays the hymn he may have first learned at home. And not in a whisper but in a loud voice.

At this stage of his crucifixion, simply taking a breath would have been torture. Yet, he exerts himself enough to speak in a loud voice. Why? Perhaps it wasn’t for him but for the people around him.

Perhaps it was for us.

In these final words, Jesus demonstrates a confident surrender to God and complete peace. He knew the story wasn’t over. As these words reverberate throughout history, they testify to all who hear, “Believe in me, and you can have this assurance in the face of death. You can know your eternity is secure.”

This week, as we’ve reflected on these words that Jesus spoke from the cross, we understand that he’s no longer on the cross. He’s sitting at the right hand of God in heaven, and he’s sent us his Holy Spirit, who, in our moments of doubt, whispers Jesus’ words back to us.

When we feel our sins can’t be forgiven, we hear, “Father, forgive them.”
When we feel alone and without family, we hear, “Woman, behold your son.”
When we feel like we’re not good enough, we hear, “It is finished.”
When our hearts are full of fear, we hear, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit.”

Our hearts burst out in praise, singing the words the blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby penned: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”

Reflection

Reflect on a time when you had to trust God completely despite fear or uncertainty. How did that experience shape your faith?

Application

Take a walk in a peaceful setting, focusing on committing your fears and uncertainties into God’s hands. As you walk, recite Jesus’ words from the cross and let them resonate in your heart.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Son’s ultimate sacrifice. As he breathed his last, he proclaimed his trust in you: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When we face trials and uncertainties, let those words be a source of strength and assurance.

We commit our lives into your hands. Help us to live each day with the confident surrender that Jesus demonstrated, trusting that you hold our future securely.

We find peace in your presence, knowing that our eternity is secure in you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.