Scripture: John 19:30 NABRE “When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.”
Devotional: In Isaiah 55:10-11, the Lord speaks of the power of His Word:
“Yet just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it.”
While he hung on the cross, Jesus who is the Word made flesh, accomplished everything he needed to. He had come down to earth, fruitfully completing all the Father had predestined for Him to do. And having taken the full weight of humanity’s sins, He gave himself fully and returned to the Father.
He achieved the end for which He was sent- to provide the way of salvation for all who would believe- to reconcile a broken world to the Holy God.
Jesus triumphed.
His work complete, He now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and for me. His finished work has made a way, and now also, our joy is complete.
I’m reminded of the apostle Paul’s words – words that resonate in us following in Christ’s footsteps:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Not unlike Jesus’ work, we are commissioned to not only be recipients of God’s redemptive work in this world, but to be conduits of it as well. As we surrender to His will and allow Him to produce the fruit of His Holy Spirit in our lives, we too can return to God, completing all He has appointed us to do.
Reflect:
- How are you living in such a way that Christ’s work can be completed in you?