“In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my Rock and my Fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my Refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.” – Psalm 31:1-5
“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last.” – Luke 23:46
These are the final words from Jesus on the cross before He dies. He has been hanging there for six hours slowly dying. He has spoken several times, but now comes the end…His final breath…His final moment. He has given everything. He has nothing left, but one final word with His Father. What are His last thoughts? What comfort can He find as He crosses the threshold that we all fear into the “valley of death”?
Yesterday we saw that this final statement reveals a certain childlike trust between a Father and Son. But, it also reminds us again that the heart of Jesus was steeped in the Scripture. This phrase is found in Psalm 31 when David turned to God the Father to find comfort. Jesus used God’s Word for comfort…for strength…for guidance…and, on the cross, for a refuge.
In this particular Psalm we find a troubled David who is surrounded by enemies and neck deep in perilous circumstances. Yet, he expresses an undying devotion and trust in the LORD. “Blessed be the LORD, for He has wondrously shown His steadfast love to me…” (verse 21).
David believed that no matter what was going on around him that God was with Him and would always take care of him…even though he walk through the valley of death (Psalm 23). He knew that he could trust the Good Shepherd with his very life and death…”into your hands”.
I believe that this word from Jesus teaches us at least two things. First, Jesus was letting those around the cross know that even when we come to the end of everything that we understand…we can confidently put our lives in the Father’s hands. He is the Rock and Refuge to all those who fear and are in trouble. You can depend upon Him and He will not fail you.
Secondly, I believe that Jesus is directing us to find refuge in the Scripture. Just as His cry of feeling forsaken pointed the crowd to Psalm 22, this word points them to Psalm 31. In other words, Jesus is showing those around Him and us today that the written word is an anchor during the storms of your life. It is the Bible that assures you that you are never alone! It is the Bible that reveals to us a loving and compassionate Father! It is the Bible that proclaims that death does not hold the victory and that it is not the end! It is the Bible that declares that we are forgiven and that even our failures are not final!
Are you reading the Bible? Are you filling the reservoir of your heart and mind from the eternal fountain of God’s word? Jesus did. It was on His mind to the very end.