April 13: The Sixth and Seventh Words: “It Is Finished!” and “Father, Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit”
♫ Music:
Week Seven—Holy Week
Title: The Sixth and Seventh Words: “It Is Finished!” and “Father, Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit”
April 13–April 19
Holy Week is a significant time the church sets aside each year to commemorate and ponder both Christ’s sufferings as well as His great victory over death. This week we will examine the final two sayings Christ uttered from the cross: “It is finished” and “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” The word “finished” does not mean “it’s over,” but rather “it’s accomplished, completed, achieved, consummated.” This was not a death cry, instead it was a signal of triumph. When Christ shouted, “It is finished,” the plan of salvation reached its crescendo—sin and death were trampled down and Satan was defeated. Author Brian Zahnd writes, “Christ crucified is Christ glorified. The cross is not shame; it was and is glory. It was not defeat; it was and is victory. It was not failure: it was and is the salvation of the world.”
Christ came to do the Father’s will. The cross was our Lord’s focus from the beginning of His earthly sojourn. “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Christ was the only sin offering that could and did satisfy God the Father’s righteous demands. All of humanity’s sins, past, present, and future, were transferred to Christ, who graciously bore the ugliness and degradation of it all for us. On the cross unimaginable horror was turned into glorious hope. The “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” had incredible mercy upon us. “It is finished” but it is not yet over. Richard John Neuhaus explains, “It will not be over until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. That triumphant note does not mean the simple displacement of suffering with victory…The only way to the light is the way he took, the way through the heart of darkness, the way of the cross. That is where he is to be found, that is where he finds those he takes to the Father.” Hallelujah, what a Savior!
The last powerful word Christ vocalized as He bowed His head in death was a quote from Psalm 31:5, NASB, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit.” In response, the Roman centurion immediately “glorified God, saying ‘Certainly this was a righteous Man!’” (Luke 23:47), while the whole crowd who had witnessed Christ’s death, returned to their homes in distress, “beat[ing] their breasts” (Luke 23:48). “Into thy hands I commit my spirit” has been recited and echoed by observant Jews and dying Christians since it was penned in around 445 BC. It serves as a Judaic bedtime offering to this day. The children’s prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take” is a variation on the seventh word. The prayer appeared in a New England primer in 1731, but some scholars believe that it dates back to the eleventh century. Every day, in all that we do and say and as our lives draw to a close, we should beseech the Lord to take our spirit and let it be forever consecrated to His honor and glory. By His example, Christ has taught us how to live, but also how to die.
Day 40 - Sunday, April 13
Palm Sunday
Title: Kingship Re-envisioned
Scripture #1: Zechariah 9:9–10 (NKJV)
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.’”
Scripture #2: Philippians 2:5–11 (NKJV)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Poetry & Poet:
"The Shepherd Boy's Song"
by John Bunyan
He that is down need fear no fall,
He that is low no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much;
And, Lord, contentment still I crave
Because Thou savest such.
Fulness to such a burden is
That go in pilgrimage;
Here little and hereafter bliss
Is best from all to age.
HUMILIATION AND EXALTATION
Last summer, a group of Biola faculty, staff, alumni, and students completed a pilgrimage that ended at the medieval Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. The white limestone facade and rose window overlook a lawn on which stands the artwork for today. Sculpted by a local Italian artist, the life-size statue represents Francis’s return from the war. The spirited young man came home in apparent disgrace, a failure at being a soldier, but in obedience to the word of God, who told him to return to his city and perform the work that he found there. Desiring only God’s will, Francis followed the instructions. The head of the statue is bowed; Francis does not yet perceive the spiritual reality and splendor of the work that God has planned for his future, artistically represented in the Basilica before the statue.
Francis’ experience is a small echo of the one who deserved the greatest exaltation and yet suffered the greatest humiliation. Jesus came in triumph, riding the donkey into Jerusalem, but the crowd turned against him, and he suffered public ridicule, rejection, and a death that was purposely designed to cause the most extreme pain and degradation. Philippians recounts that Jesus humbled himself, being obedient to the will of God even unto death. However, he rose from the dead, was exalted by God, and given the name above every name. Together with Isaiah Templeton in our song for today, we cry hosannas to Christ our king. In his life and death, Jesus re-envisions our notions of success. He calls his disciples to follow his path of humiliation and exaltation.
We find our work in whatever place God has called us, for the accountant in managing finances, the student in spending long hours reading and thinking, the dentist in cleaning peoples’ teeth, or the mother in caring for her child. Once we begin working for God, then we are walking in the path of Christ, and like him, we must be ready for whatever comes. Our efforts may appear mundane, insignificant, or unclear; the results not what we desired or seemingly in vain. Like Jesus and his follower Francis, however, our only concern must be to do God’s will. Every Christian’s life will contain triumphs and disappointments. However, God is still guiding no matter the failures, false accusations, undeserved shame, or suffering that may come in doing his will and his work. When our next challenges come, as they inevitably will, may we remember the figure of Francis, his head bowed in discouragement while God was preparing for him a glorious future, one that would exalt the name of Christ.
Prayer:
Father, as Bunyan reminds us, the humble will have God as their guide. Let us be lowly in obedience to you and bold in doing your will. As we continue on our pilgrimage through life, please give us grace that we might do your work joyfully, leaving the results with you and having the courage to wait to see your ultimate end.
Amen
Dr. Laurie Wilson
Assistant Professor
Torrey Honors College
Biola University
For more information about the artwork, music, and poetry selected for this day, we have provided resources under the “About” tab located next to the “Devotional” tab.
About the Art:
Il Ritorno di Francesco (The Return of Francis) (multiple views)
Norberto Proietti
Bronze
2005
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Assisi, Italy
In 2005, Italian artist Norberto Proietti sculpted a modern equestrian statue of Saint Francis which now stands outside his namesake basilica. St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181–1226), was an Italian mystic, poet, and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. This sculpture was inspired by a vision St. Francis had that led him to become a knight and join the papal army. Following this vision, he acquired armor and a horse, setting off for Rome. However, during a stop in the city of Spoleto, he had another dream, in which the Lord questioned his actions, urging him to serve God rather than the army. Undoubtedly, the young Francis, filled with idealistic aspirations, feared returning to Assisi, where he might face his family's scorn for abandoning his knightly ambitions. Proietti portrays the future saint in a state of complete humility, prior to his monkhood—slouched in his saddle, head and shoulders drooping—his despondency mirrored by the demeanor of his warhorse. Henceforth, Francis, with a renewed inner spirit, sought only to align himself with the will of God.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/il-ritorno-di-francesco-(the-return-of-francis)-statue-6767.html
About the Artist:
Norberto Proietti (1927–2009), better known simply as Norberto, was a famous Italian painter and sculptor. Starting from 1961, Norberto dedicated himself exclusively to art, exhibiting his works in international exhibitions. Norberto became famous as one of the most popular naïve artists, appreciated for his depictions of miniature friars against backgrounds of medieval Italian landscapes. Norberto's passion for the little monks grew out of his admiration for St. Francis of Assisi, who was the artist's moral and intellectual inspiration and whom he appreciated for his ability to intertwine the intimate beauty of things with the Creator, animals, and nature in all its complexity. https://emporiumart.com/en-us/pages/norberto-biography?srsltid=AfmBOopfoLeXmDzIceQu0lYhttps://www.askart.com/artist/Norberto/11142181/Norberto.aspx
About the Music #1: "All Creatures of Our God and King" from the album Before the Throne
Lyrics #1:
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav'n along,
O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of ev'ning, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright
That giveth man both warmth and light,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship Him in humbleness;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One;
O praise Him, O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
About the Composers #1: St. Francis of Assisi (poem), William Henry Draper (music)
"All Creatures of Our God and King" is an English Christian hymn by William Henry Draper based on a poem by St. Francis of Assisi. It was first published in a hymnbook in 1919. The words of the hymn were initially written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1225 in the “Canticle of the Sun” poem, based on Psalm 148. The words were translated into English by William Draper, who at the time was rector of a Church of England parish church at Adel near Leeds. Draper paraphrased the words of the canticle and set them to music. It is not known when Draper first wrote the hymn but it was sometime between 1899 and 1919.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Creatures_of_Our_God_and_King
Saint Francis of Assisi (c. 1181–1226) gave up a life of wealth and social position to embrace an ascetic life of poverty, chastity, and humility. With the approval of the Pope in 1209, St. Francis founded a new monastic order known as the Franciscans. St. Francis is considered one of the greatest saints in the Christian tradition and an example of a life lived in imitation of Jesus. Francis was known for his love of nature and animals; there are many stories about St. Francis preaching to animals. Francis set up the first-known nativity scene to celebrate Christmas in 1220. He believed that actions were louder than words and is reported to have said, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
About the Performers #1:
The King’s Men were a six-member vocal a cappella ensemble from the Conservatory of Music at Biola University in La Mirada, California. Their director, Walt Harrah, arranged the music they sang.
About the Music #2: “Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher)” –– Palm Sunday Worship Set
Lyrics #2:
Hosanna in the highest.
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna.
Hosanna in the highest.
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest.
Let our King be lifted up Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest.
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna.
Hosanna in the highest.
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna.
Hosanna in the highest.
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna.
Be lifted higher, higher.
Be lifted higher, higher.
Be lifted higher, higher.
Be lifted higher, higher.
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna.
How to reach the masses, men of every birth
For an answer, Jesus gave the key
He said, “If I be lifted up from the earth,
I’ll draw all men unto me.”
So lift Him up, lift Him up
Still he speaks from eternity
He said, “If I be lifted up from the earth,
I’ll draw all men unto me.”
Let our King be lifted up
Let our King be lifted up
Let our King be lifted up
Let our King be lifted up, Hosanna.
Hallelujah! By the glory
Hallelujah! Amen
Hallelujah! By the glory
Revive us, again!
About the Composers #2: Israel Houghton and Sidney Mohede
Israel Houghton (b. 1971) is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter, producer, and worship leader. His worship team is credited as Israel & New Breed. Houghton has also produced an album by Michael Gungor, Bigger Than My Imagination, which was described as "one of the year's best worship albums" in a 2003 Christianity Today review. Among the awards that Houghton has won are six Grammy Awards—three for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and one for Best Traditional Gospel Album for Alive In South Africa.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Houghton
https://israelandnewbreed.com/
Sidney Mohede leads and directs the creative team of Jakarta Praise Community Church (JPCC) as creative pastor. He collaborates with JPCC Worship in writing songs and he has contributed to the making of their worship albums as a producer. In addition, Mohede also teaches and shares his experience regarding worship, creativity, songwriting, and team-building at various international conference events such as Worship Central Asia, Hillsong Conference, and other events throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Simple_Truth_English_Version.html?id=H886EAAAQBAJ&source=kp_author_description
About the Performer #2:
Isaiah Templeton is a current member of Elevation Worship, a contemporary worship music collective from Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The collective leads worship in weekend church services, as well as performing concerts and tours around the United States. The collective has sold over 2.5 million albums in the United States.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevation_Worship
About the Poetry and Poet:
John Bunyan (1628–1688) was an English writer and Puritan preacher. He is best remembered as the author of the Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. In addition to The Pilgrim's Progress, Bunyan wrote nearly sixty titles, many of them expanded sermons. He became interested in religion after his marriage, and later became a preacher. After the restoration of the British monarchy, when the freedom of non-conformists was curtailed, Bunyan was arrested and spent twelve years in prison because he refused to give up preaching. During this time, he wrote his spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, and began work on his most famous book, The Pilgrim's Progress. In 1676, Charles II withdrew his Act of Indulgence and four years later, Bunyan was again imprisoned—this time only for six months. During that time, he completed The Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan's work, in particular The Pilgrim's Progress, has reached a wider audience through stage, film, TV, and radio productions. An opera based on The Pilgrim's Progress by Ralph Vaughan Williams was first performed at the Royal Opera House in 1951 and revived in 2012 by the English National Opera.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bunyan
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/john-bunyan
About the Devotion Writer:
Dr. Laurie Wilson
Assistant Professor
Torrey Honors College
Biola University
Laurie Wilson, an assistant professor in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University, received her master’s degree in Greek and Latin and her doctoral degree in classics from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she was an H. B. Earhart Foundation fellow and a postgraduate fellow in the James Wilson Programme for Constitutional Studies. This background reflects her passion for classical studies and for her interdisciplinary research, which has focused on Augustine, Cicero, and writings from the American founders.