The Final Moments
Often in times of great trial and perplexities it is good to ponder upon the last moments of Jesus Christ’s life. As a child He went about doing what any child would have done. Most likely He was interested in the processes of life which He showed an incredible intelligence for. He was announced as a the Savior before His birth and heaven rejoiced at His birth. (Luke 1:35; Luke 2:8-14) Wise men and kings showed interest in Him from His first sound that He made. (Matthew 2:1-16) Entering the temple at twelve years of age and debating with the religious leaders of that day showed an expression of godliness that know one has ever seen. (Luke 2:41-50) Then the entering into public life as the Christ, which He was and is, was the entrance that humanity would reject with harsh reactions. (Isaiah 53:3) This man of sorrows became the Lamb of God on the Cross of Calvary so we may live forgiven and restored for eternity! These were His last moment on this earth as “man”, moments of pain and anguish filled with loneliness and yet forgiveness.
To ponder these last moments in the base reality of His humility before mankind is almost to difficult too understand and embrace. Without these moments in time our eternity promised would mean nothing. He was in deep pain and the Father had pulled back from Him as He took on sin for us! (Matthew 27:46) He spoke seven sermons during these moments
- Forgiveness (Luke 23:34)
- Acceptance (Luke 23:43)
- Care and Concern (John 19:26-27)
- Alone For Mankind (Matthew 27:46)
- The Cry for God (John 19:28)
- The Completeness of Sacrifice (John 19:30)
- The Sacrifice Accepted (Luke 23:46)
These moments are not desirable moments yet the birthed through death the most desirable outcome for humanity. Mankind had an entrance now to be redeemed and accepted by the God who created all things. (Romans 11:36) His life pointed to the last moments that He would endure for all mankind. He never turned form the purpose He was born. He was consistently headed for Jerusalem and its rejection of Him. (Luke 13:34) Had He stopped in the garden and turned away from the cross what would become of mankind? This question would be a torment if there was not a Savior. He did not turn from the bruising and scourging that became His memories for those moments….(Isaiah 53:5) He looked past the pain and loneliness to the joy of our salvation and the conquering of sin.(Hebrews 12:1-3) The cause of this great loneliness and pain endured for the love of mankind has placed a responsibility on those that have responded to His sacrifice. We are to be living sacrifices for Him that others would come to know Him also. (Romans 12:1-2)
His moments that were spent before the onlooking crowd were “Grace” periods that have impacted this world immensely and like no other periods of time in history. Just as His birthed entered in the promise of the Savior His crucifixion ended the power of sin that man could not defeat on his own accord. Christ on the Cross of Calvary has brought about joy and freedom to all those that would call upon Him to be saved! His final moments have brought new and refreshing moments to God’s sons and daughters.
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.