PSALM 31:1-8 Into Your Hand
PSALM 31:1-8
v. 5 "Into your hand I commit my spirit."
The Lord Jesus Christ quoted the words of Psalm 31:5 moments before he died on the cross, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46). After he said this, the evangelist Luke reports, he breathed his last. As a result, we are inclined to think that the expression, "Into your hands I commit my spirit," is something a believer might pray when he realizes that his time on earth is coming to an end.
If we read Psalm 31 we discover that these words had a different meaning. David spoke these words while he was a strong and healthy man. Even though his life was in danger because he was pursued by enemies, he had not resigned himself to dying an early death. On the contrary, he put all his hope in the LORD, saying, "You are my rock and my fortress . . . you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit." In other words, from David’s mouth these words mean to say: LORD, I put my life into your hand, trusting that you will protect me and save me from death.
With this in mind, we understand the words spoken by our Saviour on the cross better. When Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," he did not intend to say, "I know my life has come to an end. All that is left for me is to trust that God will receive my spirit." On the contrary: Jesus quoted the words of David with the original meaning still resonating. He was convinced that his Father in heaven would keep him alive, even though he died, and that he would be raised up from the dead. From Jesus’ mouth, these words were not a resignation to death but an affirmation of life!
Christian believers can use these words the same way and at any time of their life. When you are young, you can pray, "Father, I commit my life into your hand," and so express trust that you may live for many more years. When you are old and your strength is fading, you can still pray, "Father, into your hand I commit my spirit," trusting that even though you die, you will live and be with Christ (John 11:25-26).
Copyright Restriction: Please visit website to purchase official copies.
Comments ()