Epilogue for Seven Statements by Jesus from the Cross

   Pondering the crucifixion, I contemplate how that single action by Jesus involved the ultimate suffering, yet then resulted in the ultimate accomplishment.  Having examined the seven statements by Jesus from the cross which were recorded in Scripture, I now realize this dual reality was even expressed by Jesus.

   Both Matthew and Mark wrote that Jesus said, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”  They also both prefaced that statement by saying: “Jesus cried out in a loud voice…”

   Then we are told by Luke: “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'" (Luke 23:46 NIV).

   Expending precious energy, Jesus raised His voice expressing His agony, as recorded by Matthew and Mark.  Yet then expending a final surge of energy, Jesus raised His voice expressing His trust of His Father.  That trust sealed an eternal victory.

   I acknowledge here that many scholars who have written commentaries in the last century advocate the statement recorded in Luke 23:46 was the final statement made by Jesus on the cross.  I still advocate “It is finished” was the final statement.  Scripture does not specifically say which one was final.  Thus I think we need to accept that unknown and simply realize both are crucial revelations.

   In dying for sins, as expressed to us by His statements from the cross, Jesus gave His all.  Jesus gave Himself.

Thank You Jesus!

love,

Hunter

God listens to you

* Please note an unplanned epilogue for the seven statements by Jesus from the cross follows this piece, posted on June 30th.

Psalm 66:19   “…yet God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer” (NIV).

   I pray to God every day.  As I have been unemployed for a long time, my prayers have been filled with distressed requests for a job.  But up to today, I have not gained employment.  Filling out online applications is a cold and impersonal process.  Email rejections are even more cold and impersonal.

   The bottom line is that no fitting door has opened yet for me.

   And in the midst of my challenging job search, I was hurt in a church.  It was a time when I needed extra comfort, yet instead there was hurt.

   Has God been listening?

   Many years ago, in the wake of graduating from college, I did some “temp” work.  My first assignment from the temp company was to be a receptionist at the American Red Cross.  When I arrived the first day in that grandiose building in Washington, D.C., a helpful woman got me situated at a switchboard.  She showed me how to operate it, and her instructions were clear.  Then she had me take a few calls while she was present in order to assist me if I needed help as I started.  Then she left.

   Soon after she left, a call came in, and I answered with the proper greeting.  A person stated: “I’m bleeding profusely, and I need blood.”

   For a moment I was stunned!  Then as my mind was able to process the situation, my response was: “Dad!”

   It was my dad’s voice.  He had found out from my mom that I got a temp assignment there, and he was quick to play a joke.

   My point is that even in a new place, doing a new job, and working with new equipment, I recognized Dad’s voice.  And my dad had recognized my voice when I answered the call.

   Our heavenly Father loves us.  Our heavenly Father knows our voices.  Our heavenly Father listens to our prayers.  Our heavenly Father is working in alignment with the prayers of His children to guide and encourage us in the midst of the continuing problems in this world.

   Even when circumstances are crummy, God pours out His love for you and me!  We need to keep speaking and listening to Him.

Hunter

Scripture Love Blog