Jesus fulfilled every detail of what God sent him to do. His final words on the cross were, “It is finished.” Perhaps it was a triumphant cry or maybe a private whisper to his Father. His work on earth was completed. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice for sin; sin’s debt was cancelled, paid in full; it is finished! History was changed as Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah. The probability of any one person fulfilling only a few of them is statistically improbable, but of someone fulfilling them all, is next to impossible. Yet, that’s what Jesus did! In the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before he was arrested, Jesus prayed, “Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” He was facing something unimaginable, he sweat drops of blood because of his great agony. However, he didn’t bail out and call on heaven to rescue him. The rest of his words were, “yet, not my will but yours be done.” He wasn’t quitting. He would have liked a way out, a different path, not to have to suffer the horror ahead, but he was totally surrendered to God’s will, and in the end was able to say, “It is finished.” He completed what he was sent to do. Where would we be today if he hadn’t.

Scriptures – John 19:28-30; Revelation 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:11; Luke 22:42; Psalm 119:105; Philippians 4:13, 1:6; Acts 20:24

Verses – After this, Jesus knew that everything had at last been completed. “I’m thirsty,” he said (fulfilling what the Bible had said). A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (Jn 19:28-30) 

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; “yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Ph 1:6)

Thought – What is God calling you to do? What have you started, but not finished? The Scripture says, that after Jesus uttered his last words, “he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” As we look around the church, it seems some have given up their spirit, but it ISN’T finished. They have simply laid it down. In our culture (and in the Christian faith, as well) people start many things and finish few. Culture confuses excitement with commitment, starting strong, full steam ahead until there’s an obstacle and the task gets difficult. If there’s no sacrifice, it’s not really a commitment. How do you complete what you’re called by God to do? First make a commitment. You can’t finish strong without the conviction that there’s no turning back. Just as Jesus prayed, “yet, not my will but yours be done.” That’s the bottom line. No retreat. Then take the next step, and the next. Don’t look at the chasm between where you are and the mission God has set before you, just take one step at a time. God doesn’t usually provide a detailed road map. Your next step may not be visible until you lift your foot to make the move, but He will light the way, one step a time if you are committed, faithful and willing. If you are still breathing, you’re not finished! God has a purpose for your life. The question: Will you be faithful?

Questions – What have you started but not finished? Why? What haven’t you started but should? What is your greatest obstacle when it comes to making a commitment? Why do so many people quit on God’s plan for them? How do you keep your commitment strong and stay the course?

Response – Examine what you have laid aside that you need to finish. Seek God’s plan for your life, make a commitment and get back in the game. It isn’t finished!

Prayer – Gracious God, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Allow your word to live in me as my foundation, my guide, and my strength. Help me to continue to take the next step, knowing that you go before me and lead the way. Until the last step is taken and it is finished, keep me on course, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.