These six words from the cross demonstrate to us the total darkness that surrounded our Lord Christ in these moments on the cross. In His complete love for God and mankind, He surrendered Himself completely saying, "Abba, Father, Your will be done." When Jesus cried, "I am thirsty", His body was showing the affects of God's furious rage against sin. Physicians tell us that the body suffers excruciating pain and a fever during the act of crucifixion; therefore the cry that He was thirsty. The lesson for our life and worship is that we should grow toward a more meaningful submission to offering ourselves in ministry and His love in the same way He demonstrates for us.
From the very beginning Jesus' words reveal to us His attitude and spirit. From the very beginning of His ministry He said He was coming to do the Father's will. When He had accomplished the work the Father had sent Him to do He cried out, "It is finished!". We are to take upon ourselves the same mind, spirit, and attitude: that in everything we do the will of God, and seek to accomplish His work in our lives in both little and big things. His finished work assured us of victory over the enemy. Because of the firm faith in what He achieved on the cross, we are able in His strength, power and victory to accomplish all He calls us to.
These six words of the cross should change our spirit and attitude toward our life, ministry, and worship. May we meditate on that this Holy Week as we approach the resurrection. mjm
