Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.” The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:46-47
Throughout the humiliation and injustice of Jesus’ conviction and sentence, He held no resentment. He displayed self-control when praying for those who murdered Him and offered kindness, grace and mercy to those present. After facing down the pains of hell, so that we would never have to, Jesus breathed His last and returned to His Father.
The threat of our sin and the darkness of our imminent death was broken. Satan was defeated once and for all! Heaven and nature responded. The inanimate earth shook, a curtain was torn and the graves of the righteous opened (Matthew 27:51-52). God gave a grand salute and welcomed His Son home.
We stir the air with simple words, but on this day over 2,000 years ago, a thief joined Jesus in paradise and a soldier became a believer, all because love meant more than heartache and suffering. Yes, Heaven rejoiced and it hasn’t stopped since!!!!!
You are Loved!
Gretchen