Into Your Hands

By Ronald Ivan Walugembe

"Into Your Hands: A Reflection on Jesus' Last Words Before His Death" invites readers on a transformative journey of surrender and hope. In this captivating book, the author explores the significance of Jesus' final words on the cross and their relevance to our lives today. Through personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, Ronald guides his readers on a revolutionary exploration of how these words, uttered in the face of immense suffering, hold timeless wisdom and power for our daily challenges. This book is an invitation to overcome, rise above, and find profound meaning and purpose in the hands of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ronald Ivan Walugembe
• Release date: Aug 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223613534

Ronald Ivan Walugembe

Ronald Ivan Walugembe is a Theologian, Healthcare Administrator, Motivational Speaker, and a Philanthropist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bible and Theology from Global University (USA) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health from Nkumba University (Uganda). He is the founder of Heal a Child International, a Christian non-profit organization based in Kampala - Uganda, and dedicated to the healing of sick children in poor, marginalized and under-served communities by increasing their access to quality healthcare, medicines and vital nutrition. The organization’s goal is to bring about physical, spiritual and emotional healing to the hurting children of the world. He has over 10 years of experience in youth and children's ministry, specifically in the fields of discipleship and mentorship.  He also has considerable experience in healthcare management and administration. He currently works with Case Hospital, Kampala, as a Clinic Administrator.  

Book preview

Page intentionally left blank.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to Rev. Colleen Stevenson, not only for her enormous contribution and inspiration to the person that I am today but also for her great example of stewardship and submission to God’s will that has enabled her to touch and be a blessing to thousands of children’s lives in Africa. I commit her into His hands.

INTRODUCTION

Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. When he had said this, he breathed his last. - Luke 23:46, NIV

A peep through the Gospels that document the life and ministry of Jesus Christ reveals that He spoke a total of 7 statements during His last moments on earth while hanging in excruciating pain on the cross, shortly before He died:

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

Today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Woman, behold thy son. (John 19:26)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Mark 15:34)

I thirst. (John 19:28)

It is finished. (John 19:30)

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Luke 23: 46)

Luke 23:46 gives us a record of Jesus’ very final words, and these were the ones He spoke just before breathing His last. As soon as He finished speaking, He gave up His breath and died. He didn't say anything else at all! Luke is the only one of the four Gospels that records the dying man's last remarks. The other Gospels speak of a loud voice, that, Jesus cried in a loud voice. We may be driven to think that perhaps it was a cry of pain from the racking wounds and bruises that had been inflicted upon Him. But Luke comes out to show that it was not merely a cry of pain, but in actual sense a prayer. A fervent prayer of submission to the Father, and not merely words of agony from a dying man.

It is true that Jesus was in great pain and was undoubtedly feeling His life slip away after all the torture that His body had been subjected to. He had reached His final moment, but He garnered all the little strength that was still left in Him and with His very last breath, made this prayer to His heavenly Father.

Jesus’ last words on earth have such a profound meaning and impact, not only then when He said them but even now in this present day. There is a lot that can be drawn from those words, and in this book, by the grace of God, I attempt to explore the significance of Jesus’ very last words on the cross, and how they relate to our own lives and circumstances today.

- Ronald Ivan Walugembe

Page intentionally left blank.

CHAPTER ONE

END IN SIGHT - FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

What would you do when it is evident that you have reached the end of your life? What would you say when you know that you are about to die?

I have often heard people say that perhaps it would have been easier to face and deal with death only if those who die could come back to life_ even if for a short time_ just to give us a glimpse of what awaits us on the other side. But since none has ever come back to tell of the mysteries of the afterlife, death remains an enigma. It is true that death continues to be a dreaded mystery in many communities around the world. Both those who are dying and those being left behind find it difficult to face death, accept it, and adjust to its effects. The Baganda people say that Okufa tekumanyiirikika, literally meaning that death