Each of the seven words of Jesus hold a special place in my heart.

Yes, when I sin, I really don’t know what I’m doing – even if I do know what I’m doing. The profound and deadly impact of sin goes far beyond our personal awareness. Sin’s tentacles reach deep into the soul and spread far into the world around us. In ways we can never imagine our sin hurts our spouse, family, friends, and neighbors. Forgive us, Lord, for we do not know what we are doing. But just as Jesus prayed for those who nailed him to the cross, let that prayer be for us as well.

I can only imagine what paradise will be. But I do get a glimpse in the beautiful Butchart Gardens of British Columbia, or Kew Gardens of Great Britain, Mercer Arboretum in Houston, or the flowers blooming outside my window. It’s a glimpse of paradise. And Jesus has promised we will be with him there. 

I didn’t have the best relationship with my mother – especially when I was in high school and college. But there came a time when I realized how I must love her, and care for her as best I could – though we were separated by many miles. I’m thankful that she is now in Abraham’s bosom in the care of Jesus. 

When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” it must have been a horrific moment. But in that literally God-forsaken moment, Jesus still calls him, “my God.” Jesus was surely distressed by God’s forsaking. But he kept faith and looked to God for an answer. Jesus is my righteousness, and true author of true faith.

Sometimes I’ve been really thirsty. But never to the extent that Jesus endured. Thank God he offers the priceless water of life as his gift. He invites us to come and drink of it and never thirst again. 

His cry, “It is finished,” is a cry of victory. Debt discharged. Death done. Devil defeated. Thanks be to God. 

When I die, I pray I can say – as did Jesus, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”