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It is finished.

It is finished. (John 19:30)

 Three of the most haunting words in the Bible.  

 The last three words recorded before Jesus was overcome by death.

 And the three greatest words that were able to bring us life - eternal life.

 John 19:28-30 are very difficult passages to read.  The entire story is difficult.  I'm one who struggles to grasp the magnitude of evil and how anyone can knowingly inflict pain and harm on another living being.  I cringe at t.v. shows.  I have to close my eyes and wait for someone to tell me when it's okay to look again.  

 So reading this passage (and any of the other gospel accounts) kills me every time.  His murder was senseless in that His accusers were just jealous of Him and angry because they did not understand His purpose.  His murder was violent and merciless.  His treatment was inhumane.

 But, His death also shows a level of love that can never be repeated again.

 Verse 28 says, "Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty'."  

 LATER...after He knew He had done ALL that He could, he took care of His own personal need.  His concern was not Himself...it was His Father's will...and us.  Hanging on that cross, bleeding and in agonizing pain, He seems to have taken a moment to be sure He'd done everything He could possibly do, THEN He mentioned He was thirsty.

 I heard a song last week by a group I had never heard before called "It was Love".  And the words that stuck out to me where, "It wasn't nails that held you to the cross, it was love."

 Nails were used, but the truth was that His love for us lead Him to that cross.  He had every opportunity to say no to this.  He had every chance to walk away.  But His love held Him on that cross.  And His Father's love led Him back out of that grave three days later.

 Love is defined as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

 Yeah, I'll attest to His love for me.


The angelstood in awe

at the sight they saw
The night you were betrayed
You could have saved yourself
But You held back the Heavens
And let them carry You away

You laid Your kingdom down, they handed You a crown of Thorns You were torn
but cried let Your will be done

It wasn't nails that held You to the cross, it was love, it was love, it was Your love
You took our place carried our guilt and shame
all for us, all for us, all for us.
It wasn't nails that held you, it was love.

To think You chose this cup
knowing all that was to come
Oh the grace that poured from You
before Your final breath, through Your tears You said
"Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
You looked up to the sky, let out a final cry
It is done!
Hope has won!
Lord let Your kingdom come!

It wasn't nails that held You to the cross, it was love, it was love, it was Your love
You took our place carried our guilt and shame
all for us, all for us, all for us.
It wasn't nails that held you, it was love.

Abandon "It Was Love"  (Here is a link to the song.)




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