The True Vine

Day 46
Read: Luke 23:44-49

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (v. 46)

During this last week we have remembered and reflected on the words of Christ in his last hours on earth. After all he had been through, his final words were words of trust: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” Yesterday we noted he quoted Psalm 22 on the cross, today we see he also quotes Psalm 31:5. In contrast to the anguish of Psalm 22, these final words are words of hope, trust and faith, and it is to that hope, trust and faith that we also are called.

We’ve seen him in a number of different ways this week. He is the good shepherd, the bread of life, living water and the light of the world. He forgives those who torture and kill him and he offers mercy to a criminal crucified next to him. Salvation is found in him–he is the source of life.

“I am the vine,” he says, “you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

As this week draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on all the things Jesus is to you and thank him. Let us renew our commitment to him and also say, “Into your hands I commend my spirit,” for it is very true that apart from him we can do nothing. –Jonathon VanderWall

Prayer: Help us to abide in you each and every day. We do commit ourselves afresh to you.