“It Is Finished”

I am the type of person that loves to finish projects. I don’t like the clutter that unfinished projects cause. So I do much better on work that can be declared, “done”, in a very short time. I don’t do as well with projects that required continued follow-up, revisions, and upkeeep.

John 19:30 says, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus had finished His work of bringing the kingdom of God to earth, necessary for the works of saving and redeeming people. So He said, “It is finished.” This sentence is significant at two other significant events in history. In the beginning, God finished His work of creation of all things and on the seventh day, it is said His work is finished (Genesis 2:2). Revelation 15 tells us of a future end times day when the wrath of God toward sin will be finished and a new earth and heaven will be established. We thank and praise God for the first two works that are finished, while looking forward with the assurance of faith toward the finishing of God’s third work.

Born Again

Sometimes, we come in contact with people who completely change our lives. It may be finding the love of our lives that we soon marry, have children with, and build a life together with. Or we may have life changing experiences, like health diagnosis, job opportunities, or moving to new areas.  

I Peter 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Hope is not something that we put on a shelf and use only when we are struggling. Instead, it is living and always active within us through the resurrected Jesus Christ. This living hope gives us strength to thrive in mundane, troublesome, and exhilarating experiences of life.

Spring Rain

I don’t know what it is like in your area, but in our area, the transition from winter to spring is not smooth. We may have a few spring-like days, but then go right back to freezing temperatures again. We tend to bounce back and forth between winter weather and spring temperatures. The rains prepare the ground, flowers, and trees for the renewal that is to come.

Proverbs 16:15 says, “In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.” As God’s children, we have the awesome privilege of coming before the King of Kings to make our requests. In His presence is life and abundant favor that refreshes and renews our souls.

According to the Map

I hike a lot of nature trails. Often, maps of these trails are available online. If the map is reliable and/or the trail is marked well, following the trail is usually easy. However, the maps don’t tell me about the hills, fallen trees, and other obstacles, making the trail more difficult. I must find the courage to continue hiking despite the obstacles.

Psalm 26:3 says, “For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.” God’s love for us never changes nor ceases. He is always firm in adherence to His promises. Keeping our eyes on His steadfast love and faithfulness gives us confidence and removes fear.

Worthy Pursuit

Our lives consist of a variety of pursuits. We have many minor pursuits like tickets to a concert or sporting event, a satisfying meal, or winning a board game. But we also have many significant pursuits like finding a spouse, buying our first house, getting that job or promotion, and seeking more material things. However, we face even more grand pursuits like finding joy, fulfillment, significance, and hope.

Proverbs 21:21 says, “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” The fullness of life is found in the pursuit of righteousness and kindness. By seeking these two qualities of life by trusting Jesus Christ, we will receive life, righteousness and honor.