The last breath of surrender comes after a lifetime of practice
By Dean Collins
All through the Gospels we watch Jesus surrendering his way to victory. As with most things we learn from Jesus, life always seems to work best exactly opposite from what the systems of the world teach us. How is it possible that we can experience victory by surrendering? Doesn’t surrender mean giving up and losing? I suppose the answer is yes and no.
‘I commit my spirit’
In Luke 23:46 we hear the last words of Jesus before his death. He had experienced betrayal, abandonment of his friends, abuse, physical violence, and the agony of crucifixion. He hung on a cross between two convicted criminals as some still taunted him. Yet from the cross we see his compassion and his mercy. He demonstrated love for his mother by instructing John to care for her. He showed mercy and care for the criminal who spoke up for him from the cross and asked that he be remembered by Jesus in paradise. He asked God to forgive everyone for their misunderstanding and for their behavior because ultimately we do not understand what we do not understand.
And finally, agonizing as he filled his lungs fully one last time, he loudly proclaimed, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”
I think it’s helpful to remember this moment was one Jesus anticipated long before it arrived. In fact, Luke told us in chapter 9 that Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem because he knew the end would be achieved there. He was resolute in his determination to surrender to his Father’s will that all people would be redeemed and all things restored. Only in full surrender to the Father’s will could this be accomplished.
‘Fulfilled in your hearing’
From the moment the Spirit descended on him at his baptism, his purpose was to get to this moment of ultimate surrender so that we might have our greatest moment of deliverance. When Jesus spoke publicly in the synagogue the first time ( Luke 4), he read from the prophet Isaiah the good news that would bring liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and the ultimate day of the Lord’s favor. He told his attentive listeners, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
All throughout the Gospels we see Jesus never giving in to the world’s ways. He did not seek fame or fortune. He would not misuse power. He wasn’t too busy or important to notice the needs of others. Even as he taught his disciples to pray, he included that the will of the father was to be accomplished here on earth as it is in Heaven. His prayer was clear that Heaven’s ways are very different than ours and if we are to follow him we must surrender to those Heavenly ways.
‘Not my will, but yours’
As he agonized in the Garden ahead of his suffering, he again surrendered saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Now on the cross he declared that his human days were over. He kept his commitment to his Father and surrendered his sinless life on the cross.
John reminds us in his Gospel that it was his choice and was a demonstration of the Father’s love: “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
From day one of his ministry until the last day of his life, Jesus stayed focused on us. He knew that in order for you and me to receive forgiveness, transformation, and the gift of eternity with him, his full surrender including death was required.
The last breath
Seeing the focus and determination of Jesus to his mission helps us with our focus on our mission as well. As his followers, we are invited into his kingdom mission. Everything we do as believers leads us to follow this path of obedience. As we lay down our lives fully, we discover that God uses our surrender to bring life, hope, and mercy to others. As they see our surrender, they discover the love of God. Only as we follow the upside-down ways of Jesus will anyone around us see that God’s ways are the best ways and bring real life and transformation.
So how long are we to surrender our lives? Until we get tired? Until we retire from work? Well, if we follow the example of Jesus, we stay surrendered until we take our last breath here on earth. It is there that we discover the wonder and power of God’s love and take our next breath in eternity fully restored to greet our loved ones and our Savior face-to-face.
The last breath of surrender leads to our ultimate victory.
Your time with God’s Word
Luke 23:46; 3:22; 4:18-19; 9:51; John 10:17-18 ESV
Photos by Ismael Paramo and Jeremy Perkins at unsplash.com
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
To download a printable version of today’s post, click here.
