Daily Devotion - John 19:30 - "It is Finished"
Jesus echoes the words of Genesis 2, proclaiming that His work was done.
"I'm done!"
This was my cry when I recently completed a revised draft of my novel. I experienced the satisfaction of throwing a giant weight off of my shoulders, leaving me free to pursue other things.
At first, I was excited to undertake it. The thrill of the plot, watching the characters come alive and putting them in different settings was fresh, new and electric. I loved my work, and I raved about it all the time.
Then came the editing. This scene needs more depth, that dialogue doesn't work for that character, or the plot falls apart here. This brought the burden, the drudgery, the angst. I used to love this novel, now I just want it to be over and done with.
Now the first hurdle is over, and I can breathe a sigh of relief. The first leg of the journey is done, and it actually sparked a fresh fire in my soul for the story.
That's also how it was on Good Friday.
In Genesis 2:2, we read that God finished creating the universe and rested on the Sabbath. Everything was done, and He had taken the formless, void chaos and given it life and order and meaning. Then we rebelled against this life, causing creation to fall back into its original chaotic state.
For thousands of years, God called His people back, but for mankind it always felt like drudgery. It was exciting at first, but the broken laws and sacrifices became too much, a never-ending burden to get back what had been lost. Like me and the novel, they just wanted the whole thing to be done and over with.
Then Jesus stepped in.
[John 19:30 ESV] 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
"It is finished."
Jesus echoes the words of Genesis 2, proclaiming that His work was done. He had accomplished what He set out to do, which was to take the chaos we created and bring it back into a state of order. He took our rebellion and made it surrender, He took our isolation and wandering and brought back fellowship with God.
Now, with a renewed life and vigor, we can declare that it is finished in our own hearts, knowing that His perfect work on the cross will always be enough.
Question to Consider
How have you experienced the joy of knowing that your burden of perfection is gone?
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, You who finished creation and gave life to mankind, You also finished restoring creation and life to our dead hearts. You who rested on the seventh day also rested in the tomb on the seventh day of the week. You have done all of the work needed for me to live in fellowship with You. Let me not forget that today, but rest in Your loving presence. Amen.
