Into thy hands
Today's focusDarkness covers the land, the temple veil is torn, and Jesus cries, 'Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit' — the way to God is opened.
Read
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. 48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
Reflection
As the "sixth hour" arrived, a deep "darkness over all the earth" signaled a moment of profound significance. Even as the "sun was darkened," a barrier was being removed. The passage tells us that "the veil of the temple was rent in the midst." In this moment of physical and spiritual darkness, the way to God was being opened wide. The tearing of the veil signifies that the path to the Father’s presence is no longer closed off, but made accessible through what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
In his final breath, Jesus "cried with a loud voice," speaking words of perfect trust: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." Even in death, he looked to the Father. You can find comfort knowing that the same hands that received his spirit are open to you today. Whether you are "beholding these things" from a distance like his acquaintances, or feeling the weight of the moment like those who "smote their breasts," the way is open. You are invited to step through the torn veil and rest in the Father's care.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What does the torn veil mean to you about your access to God through Jesus?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you gave up your spirit into your Father's hands, and the veil was torn. Thank you that the way to God is open because of you. Into your hands I commit my life.