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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topic of Christian journey and the “Conquest of Canaan”
in the previous months, now in the month of March, considering that
we are in the season of Lent, I intend to focus on the subject- “Lent season”.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
21st Lent Day
Showing how to live and … die
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
When he had said this, he breathed his last. -
Luke 23:46
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If all through his life on earth, our Lord had shown how to live a life trusting
God fully much like a little child following its father in tow in complete faith,
then in death, he showed how to die… trusting the Father completely. The Final word,
which he uttered, is again fulfillment of the Scripture portion, which read thus
“Into your hands I commit my spirit…”
Psalm 31:5
That he spoke loudly is proof of the fact that that there were still reserves of
energy in his badly-bruised body and that, he was voluntarily surrendering His Spirit,
in line with His Father’s will
(John 10:18). In other words, despite his severe bodily condition,
Jesus died much sooner than normal. Therefore when Joseph of Arimathea informed Pilate of Jesus’
death and asked for His body, the governor was surprised and asked a centurion to give verification
(Mark 15:43-45).
Even in cases of suicide, psychologists would vouch that a dying individual actually fights for
life in the final moments, so deeply is ingrained the desire for life in one’s self,
but not in the case of our Lord. If not natural but supernatural forces dictated his birth,
and then could his death be any different? There was not an iota of desire to hang unto life
but only a desire to willingly give it up. Miracle again? YES AND OH, WHAT A WAY TO DIE!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what an exemplary life you lived! In life and in death, You completely trusted the Father.
Oh, may we too be like thee at all times…even in death. Amen.
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