We know this, we claim this but we struggle to live or feel like it is. In John 19:30 we are told: So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (NKJ)
Jesus died for our sins. He said it is finished. Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. We find it hard to give up our spirit don’t we? We have heard this story, we know the promises and we have been assured of our forgiveness but we just won’t let go. We won’t give up our spirit. We struggle to just relinquish it and say “it is finished”.
Do you have any thoughts on why we do this? We humans are forever thinking there must be a better way or we can just fix the situation. God what do you want me to do? Ummm, have you tried accepting the fact that it is finished? You sure?
This perspective figures into so many aspects of our lives but I was brought here this morning by John Baker in the Celebrate Recovery Lesson 17 on Forgiveness. Just like John says here “I think we all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it.” Yes it is a tough practice to accept or give forgiveness. I like another one of Mr. Baker’s statements here: “forgiveness is God’s prescription for the broken.” Which of us is not broken? No, not one. (See Romans 3:10-12) In steps 8 and 9 on amends we must understand this concept.
To give up our spirit we must have faith. “He gave up His Spirit.” Do you sense any holding back or holding on in that statement? We should not hold back either. This lesson also took me to Romans Chapter 3. It is clear in this chapter that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:27 “…our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.”
I am closing with a quotation from The Message in the lookup for Romans 3:27 “God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.”
Let it go, it is finished. Do you have anything you are holding onto or have a parade you are trying to run? Thank you Lord Jesus for taking our sins and dying on that cross for us. We bow our heads before you and release our spirit. Here it is, It is finished!
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
It all goes back to faith. Do I really believe that what Jesus did on the cross and 3 days later is true? Do I accept the forgiveness that cost God His Son?
Not to embrace the gift that was finished by Jesus is arrogant on my part. I’m so humbled with the ultimate sacrifice…so humbled by His mercy towards me, even in my sin.
I pray I am as generous in my attitude towards those who have hurt me and that I forgive when I feel I’ve been wronged.
Thanking Him today that it is finished
IT IS!
Thank you Robin!
wow.
Thank you Tracey. Praying you have a great day!
I laughed out loud at the….forgiveness is a great idea until we have to do it. God gave me a great chance at work today to bless someone who has cursed me. It’s nice when he provides those opportunities and gives me the grace to follow through. And some of them are daily aren’t they….give us this day – our daily grace to forgive – and MOST IMPORTANTLY – give others the grace to forgive ME.
Thank you Debi, yes sometimes you just have to laught! Isn’t it awesome how God works. So glad you recognized the opportunity to show grace and had the courage to do it! Some things are definitley easier as a concept than a practice!! Thanks for checking in!! Hope you have a great day!