King David rightly entrusted Himself into the care of God, confident that God would rescue him from those who plotted against him. And God did deliver David repeatedly from enemies within (his moral failures), and without (betrayal and violence) throughout his life.
Similarly, Stephen, a Holy Spirit-filled deacon in the early church, committed his spirit into God's care as he endured stoning by the religious zealots of his day. Luke gives us the story in the book of Acts:
“But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:57-59
The cross of Jesus Christ is where Jesus died as our Substitute, and where we learn how to live and die to the glory of God. As we put our trust in God, realizing that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), and we entrust our spirit into His hands, we have confidence that He will save us from all our distresses in life and death. As we do this, we are kept in perfect peace (Philippians 4:7) so that we can say with Paul, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To Him, be the glory forever and ever. Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18
Question 6. How does Jesus' final cry on the cross, “Father, into Your hands, I commit my Spirit!” teach you how to handle difficulties, hardships, trials, and even death?
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Ivy writes, “This lesson has been very timely for me as I have recently had a biopsy to see if I have cancer. I can willingly commit my life to God, knowing that whatever He wants will be the absolute best for me. I'm loved with an everlasting love."
Question 7. What has focusing on the cross in this lesson taught you, or brought to your remembrance?
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Kristi writes, "I am reminded of some really difficult times in my life, such as the death of each of my parents, and my husband losing his job at the age of 59 and being out of work for 14 months. I was able to come through these circumstances much easier when I surrendered the outcomes to God. I've, for the most part, learned to do this right away instead of agonizing over it. To me, surrender equals peace!"
We have come to the end of our study, but certainly not to the end of our pursuit of finding life in Jesus’ death. Friend, as long as we live on the earth, we must “carry around in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed” in us (2 Corinthians 4:10). May God enable you to focus on and apply the cross of Christ, receiving all its benefits in your life, for His glory and your good!
Please take the opportunity to leave your feedback on this course on the next lesson. We look forward to hearing how applying the power of the cross is enabling you to find life in Jesus' death.