'About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split'
Matthew 27:46-(emphasis mine)
I have heard the "Easter" story numerous times. I know the intricate details of Jesus' death and resurrection. I have read the account over and over throughout my years as a Christian. It's interesting to me, then, how one particular word jumped out at me this year. Of all the times I have heard this message, I have never paid attention to this particular word. Until now.
Paradino. (Greek)
Release.
Hand over.
Our family watched The Passion of the Christ together for the first time this year. As I watched (well, grimaced) as Jesus hung bloodied on the cross painfully breathing his last breaths, I heard him cry out to the Father that it was finished and then he did something: he released his spirit. I have read over this a hundred times and never gotten it. This year, however, that word got me.
Jesus had all the power in the universe to release his spirit at any time. He could have let his spirit go as he was being beaten and whipped. He could have released his spirit as they hammered the nails into his hands and feet. He could released his spirit the moment they rose the cross upright. Over and over again, Jesus had the power to release his spirit. Yet, he held on. Even though he was fully God and fully man having the power to release his spirit at any time, he didn't let go until he knew his purpose and the prophecy was fulfilled.
The moment Jesus released his spirit, the world changed forever. The power of that hand over created a great earthquake, an unusual darkness as the sun forbear to shine, and the Temple curtain to be torn in two. The power of that release was immeasurable and forever changed the fate of man.
This got me to thinking. What am I holding onto that I need to release? What do I need to hand over? What power needs to be let out when I finally let go of what I am gripping so tightly?
There is power in the release; the hand-over. Paradino. We stay tight-fisted for far too long limiting the power of God in our lives.
What do you need to release today? What are you gripping so fervently that needs to be handed over. What is holding you hostage? Remember, the moment Jesus released his spirit, the world was forever changed. Your life can be forever changed when you let go.
Paradino.
Love & Blessings,
Meg
Matthew 27:46-(emphasis mine)
I have heard the "Easter" story numerous times. I know the intricate details of Jesus' death and resurrection. I have read the account over and over throughout my years as a Christian. It's interesting to me, then, how one particular word jumped out at me this year. Of all the times I have heard this message, I have never paid attention to this particular word. Until now.
Paradino. (Greek)
Release.
Hand over.
Our family watched The Passion of the Christ together for the first time this year. As I watched (well, grimaced) as Jesus hung bloodied on the cross painfully breathing his last breaths, I heard him cry out to the Father that it was finished and then he did something: he released his spirit. I have read over this a hundred times and never gotten it. This year, however, that word got me.
Jesus had all the power in the universe to release his spirit at any time. He could have let his spirit go as he was being beaten and whipped. He could have released his spirit as they hammered the nails into his hands and feet. He could released his spirit the moment they rose the cross upright. Over and over again, Jesus had the power to release his spirit. Yet, he held on. Even though he was fully God and fully man having the power to release his spirit at any time, he didn't let go until he knew his purpose and the prophecy was fulfilled.
The moment Jesus released his spirit, the world changed forever. The power of that hand over created a great earthquake, an unusual darkness as the sun forbear to shine, and the Temple curtain to be torn in two. The power of that release was immeasurable and forever changed the fate of man.
This got me to thinking. What am I holding onto that I need to release? What do I need to hand over? What power needs to be let out when I finally let go of what I am gripping so tightly?
There is power in the release; the hand-over. Paradino. We stay tight-fisted for far too long limiting the power of God in our lives.
What do you need to release today? What are you gripping so fervently that needs to be handed over. What is holding you hostage? Remember, the moment Jesus released his spirit, the world was forever changed. Your life can be forever changed when you let go.
Paradino.
Love & Blessings,
Meg
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