April 18th: The Victory Cry of Christ
John 19:30, When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Jesus' earthly life is coming to a close. The sky grows darker, and the silence from the crowd feels suffocating. Then Jesus, with his last bit of strength, speaks three words that shift history forever: "It is finished." But let's be clear—this isn't some cry of defeat; it's a triumphant rallying call, a bold statement of victory. His mission is complete! The original language implies a debt paid in full, showing us that Jesus settled our account of sin once and for all through His suffering.
It is finished.
Instead of leaving us to earn God's favor, He completed the work for our forgiveness and hope.
It is finished.
This act means you and I no longer carry shame or regret. We can rest in the freedom His sacrifice gives, knowing our failings are covered.
It is finished.
Even now, that triumphant cry resonates across time, assuring us that we don't toil and fight for victory but from a victory already won. When life seems overwhelming, remember that our faith doesn't begin with our efforts but with Christ's completed work. "It is finished" isn't just about what Jesus did in the past; it's an invitation to step into a new way of living, anchored in grace. It calls us to let go of striving and self-condemnation, embracing the truth that Jesus has done what we never could.
It is finished. God's power to redeem is far greater than our shortcomings.
Jesus' earthly life is coming to a close. The sky grows darker, and the silence from the crowd feels suffocating. Then Jesus, with his last bit of strength, speaks three words that shift history forever: "It is finished." But let's be clear—this isn't some cry of defeat; it's a triumphant rallying call, a bold statement of victory. His mission is complete! The original language implies a debt paid in full, showing us that Jesus settled our account of sin once and for all through His suffering.
It is finished.
Instead of leaving us to earn God's favor, He completed the work for our forgiveness and hope.
It is finished.
This act means you and I no longer carry shame or regret. We can rest in the freedom His sacrifice gives, knowing our failings are covered.
It is finished.
Even now, that triumphant cry resonates across time, assuring us that we don't toil and fight for victory but from a victory already won. When life seems overwhelming, remember that our faith doesn't begin with our efforts but with Christ's completed work. "It is finished" isn't just about what Jesus did in the past; it's an invitation to step into a new way of living, anchored in grace. It calls us to let go of striving and self-condemnation, embracing the truth that Jesus has done what we never could.
It is finished. God's power to redeem is far greater than our shortcomings.
REFLECTION
How does Christ's work on the cross free you from trying to earn God's favor?
PRAY
Pray that God will help you rest in the truth that "It is finished," asking Him to release you from any guilt, shame, or fear that holds you back from fully embracing His grace.