Daily Scripture - Apr 7

Friday 4/7

Scriptures:
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)
Message:
“Calvary is the very pivot of the world's history. All prior things pointed forward to it; and all subsequent things point back to it. Even the future rests upon it, for the redeemed in heaven find it the center of heaven as they behold a Lamb in the midst of the throne, ‘standing as though it had been slain.’” - Mrs. Jessie Penn-Lewis

“It is finished,” is probably the most critical sentence out of the seven last sayings of Christ from the cross. When Jesus said, "It is finished” (Tetelestai - “τετελέσται” in Greek), it was not a dying groan of pain, but rather Jesus speaking of the glorious truth that He had completely accomplished what the Lord had given Him to do (John 17:4). The work of the Incarnate Word had been completed:
Satan was defeated;
Every requirement of the Law was fulfilled and God’s holy wrath against sin has been satisfied;
By simply believing in Christ and receiving Him as Savior, not only are sinners reconciled with the holy God, but they are also united with Jesus Christ. They are called children of God and made co-heirs with Christ. Their joy is in the Lord.

Perhaps what is even more worth noting is that the original Greek word Tetelestai - τετελέσται actually means "it has been now and forever finished.” The word was also written on business receipts in New Testament times to indicate that a bill had been “paid in full.” Since Jesus proclaimed that God’s salvation plan is now and forever accomplished, we have the full assurance that our redemption is eternally secured. He left no unfinished business behind.

Hallelujah! It is finished …… indeed!
Meditation:
Try to recall the related prophecies from the Old Testament and teachings from the New Testament concerning what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Give praise and thanks to God as you meditate on them. Here are a few examples:
Hebrews 10:12-14: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
2 Corinthians 5:21: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Genesis 3:15b: He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.
Romans 3:24c-25a: ...Jesus Christ, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness.
Romans 6:10: For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Hebrews 2:14-15: Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Our response:
Write out words of thanksgiving and praise for your salvation in Jesus Christ. Put it in your Bible so that it can remind you to be grateful for God.

Knowing that you stand in Jesus’ victorious position, look at your present circumstances and difficulties from a new perspective. Write down how looking at your present situation from a new perspective changes how you approach life. Share with another person.

Song: Amenl.