I thirst Week 10, 2014

Jesus did not make this statement for Himself.  It was made deliberately to bring a scriptural prediction to pass. Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."  A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips Jn 19:28-29(NIV). 

Notice that in the matter of Jesus’ crucifixion many a prophecy was fulfilled. Some individuals fulfilled the scripture without knowing of them: When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares ... This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did. Jn 19:23-24(NIV). Some did without realizing it was those scriptures they were fulfilling. Did not Caiaphas accurately prophecy albeit unknowingly about Jesus dying for all mankind? He said “You don't realize that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed."   Now he did not say this on his own initiative. As high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,  and not only for the nation, but that he would also gather into one the children of God who were scattered abroad Jn 11:50-52(ISV). But Jesus fulfilled them consciously.

You and I are destined to fulfill scripture, but how shall we fulfill them; knowingly or unknowingly? At the cross they who ignorantly fulfilled the scripture were those who sinned, whose actions are condemnable. He who knowingly fulfilled scripture is the Righteous One. Have an attitude of knowing what the scripture says and fulfilling them in your life. Here I am, I have come — it is written about me in the scroll.  I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart Ps 40:7-8(NIV).

You and I are destined to fulfill scripture, but which shall you and I fulfill; the portions for judgement or those for true blessings? In life or death the scripture will be fulfilled. Do you hate God? You will fulfill scripture. But this happened so that what has been written in their Law might be fulfilled: 'They hated me for no reason.' Jn 15:25(ISV)  Do you love the Lord? You must fulfill scripture. Are you ignorant or indifferent about all this scripture stuff? You will nevertheless fulfill them! Herod and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen Act 4:27, 28 (CEV). I want you to realize it lies in your hand to decide which way you will go (2Tm 2:20-21).

But Jesus’ word “I thirst” was not a pretense just to fulfill something written. He was really thirsty. For what cause?