Apr 23: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   April 23, 2025

Jesus’ Willing Surrender: In His final moments, Jesus willingly surrendered His life, demonstrating obedience to the Father’s will. His example calls us to willingly surrender our own lives and desires to God, trusting that His plan is perfect.

Wednesday Verse

He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

In what areas of my life am I resisting surrender to God’s will? How can I follow Jesus’ example of obedience, even in difficult circumstances?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

In three words, Jesus announced the completion of His mission – “It is finished” (John 19:30 NLT).

Reflecting on this increases my admiration for Him, and at the same time, challenges me. I am eternally grateful that Jesus chose to endure all He did so that I could be rescued and adopted into His family. Galatians 4:5 As we were reminded this past Good Friday and Easter, the price He paid is truly incalculable.

The other thing I see here is a personal challenge. As a “follower” of Jesus I am called to a life that is continually being shaped to be more and more like His example – I am to be constantly working to imitate my Savior and Leader “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 NLT This pursuit of replicating His character, values, and purpose in my life includes finishing well. Jesus accomplished all that He was assigned. He didn’t get distracted or take shortcuts. He didn’t make excuses to avoid the tough things, and He didn’t quit and say He’d had enough. Throughout His life, He regularly prayed for wisdom and direction so that He could confidently be faithful to God’s call on His life – until the very end.

Jesus challenges me to do the same– to ask God for wisdom and discernment regularly and to do so with an open mind and heart. I have adopted a life-vision statement from Leadership Edge (a Christian leadership development partner with New Hope) that is clear and simple: “to step forward as God’s man in my sphere of influence to fulfill His purposes for His glory (honor).” This simple vision for life has no time limit. At every age and stage, there is important work to be done this side of Heaven. One thing each of us can do – and it is what Jesus did – is strive to be faithful to God throughout our lives. No excuses, just daily pursuing Him and representing Him well. If we do, we can be confident that we will hear from our heavenly Father, what I know Jesus did, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org