Finished! (Lent Devotion) - Friday, April 19 (Good Friday)
Finished!
Jesus said, “it is finished.” With that He bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30b)
When Jesus said from the cross, “It is finished,” He declared the work of redemption complete. All that needed to be done was done. Nothing more could be done – nothing more added to what He had accomplished. There was no other way, and therefore, could be no improvement or addition to what had happened.
Through His life, Jesus perfectly obeyed his Father’s will for us. He won the victory over sin, death, and the devil – over every contending spirit, every power and force which defied and challenged God’s rule. He was willing and obedient in his service to the Father. And so, He gained the victory. He is Lord, overcoming all opposition to the Father.
Jesus not only kept the Law perfectly for us, He also sacrificed Himself and suffered, in place of rebellious people like you and me. His death was the final step in the humiliation and self-sacrifice that earned forgiveness for everyone.
There is no more penalty to endure. Christ has done it all. Salvation is a reality. God’s justice is satisfied. We have been redeemed and put right with our Father.
Now, God freely invites everyone to come and enjoy what He has prepared in Christ. All can come to celebrate, but many in our Native communities do not know the reward that awaits through faith in Jesus. And now that Jesus’ job on the cross is finished, it is our job to continue to spread the news of his resurrection and the righteousness that is ours through Him.
Lord Jesus, keep us in the assurance that because you said, “It is finished,” we know that we have forgiveness of sins and eternal life with you. Heavenly Father, give us the courage to tell others of the glory that lies ahead for all your children. Thank you for all you have endured to put us right again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.