What was finished?

Lenten Reflection

Scripture:  John 19:30 "It is finished."

Observation:  The fighter still remains.  Those who can remain like the boxer are a rare breed.  I don't necessarily mean win, I just mean remain.  Hang in there. Finish. Stick to it until it is done.  But unfortunately, very few do that.  Our human tendency is to quit too soon.  Our human tendency is to stop before we cross the finish line.  

Jesus didn't quit.  Can you imagine the cry from the cross?  The sky is dark.  There is weeping.  Then Jesus draws in a deep breath, pushes his feet down on that Roman nail and cried "It is finished."

What was finished?  The history long plan of redeeming humankind was finished.  The message of God to man was finished. The works of Jesus as a man on earth were finished. The task of selecting and training ambassadors was finished.  The blood had been poured. The sacrifice had been made. The sting of death was removed. It was over.

Application:  Remember, a finisher is not one with no wounds or weariness.  Mother Teresa is credited with saying, "God didn't call us to be successful, just faithful."  Blessed is the person who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12).

Kneel:  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for teaching us to remain, to endure and in the end, to finish! Amen!