Final Resignation
Today’s Reading: John 19:29-30 (NIV)
29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.
Good morning!
Humans tend to be born fighters. If you’ve ever been to a NICU on a maternity ward of a hospital, you can see that fighting spirit live in the tiniest of frames. If a tiny baby just hours old, with no real understanding of its environment, can fight with every fiber of its being to breathe on its own and reach out toward life, it is no wonder that the Father has placed a fight for life in every human heart.
Jesus was fighting for human life on the cross – not so that He could live but that we would live in His presence with Him forever. What a fight He fought!
Have you ever experienced a deep sense of resignation? People come together in community, whether it is at work, school, or charitable and civic organizations. We unite around a common purpose and goal. Giving up is not something we choose not to do. That fighting spirit lives and works within us. We share our strengths, looking for new ways to learn and grow together, moving toward a common goal. When resignation occurs, we look back on the path we’ve walked, knowing we’ve given our very best. There are times when we must resign in order to move forward. Resignation is one of the hardest things we do in life.
Jesus resigned himself to one final task. Knowing all had been accomplished, He was ready to finish the mission. When He said the words, “It is finished,” He knew He had accomplished the Father’s will. With one final confirmation, Christ gave up His spirit and relinquished His will into the Father’s hand. It was the bravest resignation ever offered in human history.
Help us Lord, to fight the good fight with every breath we take. Teach us to share the Gospel of your saving grace and mercy around the world in whatever opportunities you give us. Let us not grow weary in this work for there is much to do and only a little time in which to do it. Give us the courage to willingly relinquish our lives into the palm of your hand when it is finished. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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