Introduction

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. I stand before you today, blessed and humbled, to share with you a message that has been stirring in my heart. It's a message that is as timeless as the ages, as profound as the deepest ocean, and as vital as the air we breathe. Today, we gather to reflect on the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verses 44 to 46.

Let me read it for us:

"It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' When he had said this, he breathed his last."

These words, dear friends, echo with a profound truth that resonates in the depths of our souls. They speak of surrender, strength, and spirituality. They speak of a Savior who chose submission over sovereignty, who found strength in surrender, and whose spirituality was sustained by His unyielding faith in the Father.

As we reflect on these words, I am reminded of a powerful quote by Andrew Murray who once said, "God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him." Today, we are not merely reading about the crucifixion; we are standing at the foot of the cross, feeling the earth shake beneath our feet, and hearing the Savior's last words.

We are called to surrender ourselves to the Savior, to find strength in submission, and to sustain our spirituality through surrender. This is not a call for the faint-hearted, but it is a call to all who seek to follow Christ, to all who long to know Him more, and to all who desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Let us pray.

Almighty Father, we thank You for this day, for Your Word, and for the privilege of gathering together in Your name. As we reflect on the crucifixion of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, may our hearts be open to Your truth, our minds receptive to Your wisdom, and our spirits responsive to Your call. May we learn to surrender ourselves fully to You, to find strength in submission, and to sustain our spirituality through surrender. Let Your Word penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Surrendering Self to the Savior

In the midst of the darkness that blanketed the land, our Lord Jesus Christ, with His last breath, uttered a profound declaration of surrender. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." This wasn't a mere act of resignation, but a conscious choice of entrusting Himself completely to the Father. It was an act of surrendering self.

This surrender was a demonstration of profound strength: It was the strength that comes from knowing that our lives are not our own, but belong to the One who created us. It was the strength that comes from understanding that our purpose is not to serve our own desires, but to fulfill the will of the One who sent us. It was the strength that comes from realizing that our worth is not determined by the world's standards, but by the love of the One who redeemed us.

The Lord’s authority: Surrendering self to the Savior means acknowledging that we are not the masters of our own destiny, but are under the loving authority of our Lord. It means letting go of our own plans and ambitions, and embracing the plans and purposes that God has for us. It means relinquishing our rights and privileges, and accepting the responsibilities and duties that come with being a follower of Christ.

This surrender is a daily commitment: It's a commitment that requires us to die to ourselves every day, to take up our cross, and to follow Christ. It's a commitment that challenges us to let go of our pride, our ego, and our self-centeredness, and to embrace humility, servanthood, and selflessness. It's a commitment that calls us to let go of our comfort, our convenience, and our complacency, and to embrace sacrifice, service, and steadfastness.

Jesus demonstrated what it means to surrender self to the Savior: He showed us that surrender is not about losing control, but about gaining Christ. He showed us that surrender is not about giving up, but about giving in to the will of the Father. He showed us that surrender is not about defeat, but about victory in Christ.

For us: In the midst of our struggles, we too are called to surrender self to the Savior. We are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not to lean on our own understanding. We are called to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will make our paths straight. We are called to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well. In the midst of our uncertainties, we are called to surrender self to the Savior. We are called to cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. We are called to be still, and know that He is God. We are called to wait patiently for the Lord, and He will renew our strength.

Securing Strength through Submission

The Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verses 44 to 46, paints a vivid picture of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO