Note: In view of the Holy Week, the next installment of “Who was Allah before Islam?” shall be published next week instead
Please consider the last words of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday: John 19:30 “….It is finished…”
What is finished?
The work that his Father sent him to do is finished. The work that required him to leave his heavenly throne is accomplished. That which nobody else on earth could do: The forgiveness of sin. The Bible says: Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins; no forgiveness.
What this means is that you can be set free from sin and the burden of guilt that comes with it. You can look God in the eyes and He’d say: “It’s OK, I love you even though you have sinned. It’s forgiven; it’s finished.” Likewise, difficult as it may be, you can also look others in the eye and say: “It’s OK, you’re forgiven.” Or, we may even find courage to ask for forgiveness from others for the wrong we do to them.
But is it really finished?
Maybe not so. Sometimes some people have sinned so badly against us that it is not humanly possible to forgive them. They are so terrible, so ugly, so treacherous, that it seems impossible to forgive them.
Sometimes we find it even too difficult to forgive ourselves.
Some people have been so badly hurt, abused, cheated and betrayed that you and I would understand why forgiveness is not a viable option. In fact, it seems impossible. And the list of terrible and broken relationships, unforgiveness and bitterness goes on. That being the case, it’s really not finished.
But Jesus said, “It is finished.”
Is it finished for you too? Or are you still struggling with some unfinished business? Think about it: Jesus said, “It is finished.” So it must be finished.
Maybe it’s time to let go of former things and move on from Friday to Sunday. Yes Sunday’s coming. That’s the Good News. It’s finished. He said so.
Easter Haiku
O How could it be
My precious Saviour died he
On the cross for me
Alone on that tree
A sight so cruel and dark
Pain stabs God’s own heart
“It’s finished,” cried he
The Son’s blood my sins redeemed
Thank God, it’s Friday.
Sunday’s here again
He’s risen on the third day
Indeed he’s risen
First the women saw
The empty tomb and much more
Then they understood
Christ defeated death
Still many would not believe
The victory o’er sin
His pierced hands and feet
Showed he to whom that doubted
O What little faith!
I too believe not
But the Father’s love revealed
Sinners saved by grace
O Hallelujah
Counsellor, almighty God
Now I know he lives
- Easter 2009
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
