CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN

As we celebrate this blessed Lenten season, we know this is not how the story ends. We were dead in our sins and preoccupied with selfish desires. For to this end, Christ died and rose, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Romans 14:9 When our Lord said, “It is finished,” he meant his earthly commission was over- God’s assignment to him was completed. Jesus revealed God's love and grace by suffering and dying on the cross.

 

Christ accomplished what the Law could not have done through His suffering and death. He was sinless, yet He took on the sins of the world. According to Isaiah 53:5, He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed. Some may like to say that the debt is paid. There is a hymn that says, “Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.” He willingly gave up his life, and no one took it. Through His atonement, we have hope in this life and the future.

Jesus, under no uncertain term, entertains Pilate’s rhetorical statement but gives evidence for His coming into the world: Pilate, therefore, said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, “Thou sayest that I am a king.”

 

Then Jesus answers the critic's rhetoric with a direct statement: To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37.

 

We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Soon, we, too, will have it said of us on this side of eternity: “It is finished.” When we have finished the good work that God has begun in us, as the Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 

Let us live so that when it is finished for us on this side, we will live in that Holy City and hear the voice of God say, “Welcome, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. Come on up. I am going to make you ruler over many.”  Matthew 25:23.

I want to hear Him say, "Well done," don’t you? Bless be the name of the Lord, our maker and creator. Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving your life for us. Lord, help us to give our lives to you by ministering to the lost and showing compassion and love. Blessed be your Holy name, Jesus.