It is Finished! A Red Letter Day.
Have you ever sat and read the New Testament and read ONLY the words in red—Jesus’ words? For a completely new perspective, I challenge us to do just that. I know context is everything, but let’s step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snapshot of Jesus; His strength, authority, His love, and compassion.
Without all the narrative, those stand-alone red words pack a powerful punch. There are dramatic statements, strong commands, and tender words. “Let it be so.” (Matthew 3:15) “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4) “Get up.” (Matthew 9:6) “Take courage it is I.” (Matthew 14:27) “Quiet, be still.” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth.” (John 11:43) “Don’t be afraid.” (Mark 5:36) “What do you want Me to do for you.” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am.” (Luke 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you.” (John 8:11) “I am.” (John 18:6).
These are just a few, but there is one more that stands out among the rest. Especially for THIS weekend. Here I do want to set the context. Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands are nailed to a wooden cross. There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried, and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar water was offered to Jesus, He said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit. The scene is heavy, but it is also holy!
“It is finished.” Those beautiful words in red. The word in Greek is amazing! Stand back and take in the whole Technicolor filled screen. I don’t think even Steven Spielberg with all his creative genius could convey the scene that was unfolding upon humanity. “It is finished” (Tetelestai) to bring to an end—to fulfill payment. To complete something, not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined goal. What is done corresponds to what has been said, ordered or commanded. “Not My will, but Your will be done” (Jesus, Lk 22:42). Grammatically, it is in the “perfect tense.” Meaning, the action was completed in the past. Done. Yet with results continuing in the present. Basically, “This happened, and it is still in effect TODAY.” The gift that keeps on giving! Jesus’ physical work on earth was completed, and Scripture was fulfilled.
As Jesus said this, His blood flowing down His forehead, from His hands and His feet. His sacrifice now eliminates the debt owed by mankind (you and me). May we take careful notice, Jesus didn’t say “I am finished.” That would imply He is a mere man and dies defeated. What was finished was not Jesus’ life—it was everything keeping us from God, the Father.
“It is finished.”
Jesus is ultimately laid in the tomb. Where God spares NO detail. Looking back, instructions for building the Tabernacle and the divine furniture, “Make the atonement cover of pure gold… Make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second at the other end” (Exodus 25:17-19). HERE the blood sacrifice was placed by the Priest (Leviticus 16:14). Fast forward, John 20:12, Mary “saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.” Because of blood—Jesus’ blood, God’s requirement of sinful man is now satisfied. HE is the Lamb of God. HE is our High Priest.
When Jesus rose from the dead and the stone was found rolled away, it was NOT so He, the Son of God, Who walked on water, could get out. It was so mankind could get in! Get in and see “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying” (Matthew 28:6).
Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) the bridge back to the Father is perfected. The plan, the process of God. He engages and commissions the disciples. He returns to heaven to reign (But He’s coming back!) Does it end here for us? No. Now we the church with the authority given by Jesus Himself, and with Holy Spirit power, we carry on with the red-letter commands, statements, and tender words.
Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King! Let’s all stand to our feet! With loud shouts of praise, and enthusiastic applause! “It is Finished!
Jesus said He’d rise again—He did. He said He’d come back again—He will.
Blessings,
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds“- Hebrews 10:24).
It’s About the Lamb!
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10, NLT).
Remember as a child sliding the crayon on a white piece of paper, from one dot to another until getting to the last dot, excited to see a picture form? This is often how we come to understand certain things—connecting the dots. Have we considered the “dot connection” (if you will) of the Lamb of God? As we draw near to Easter, let’s pick up our crayon and begin connecting as we see the progression of the Lamb.
Genesis 22: God declares to Abraham to take his son Isaac, his only son to the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. As Abe and son begin their hike up the mountain, father placing the wood on the shoulders of the son, Isaac says, “The fire and wood are here,” then asks, “But where is the lamb?” Abraham confidently responds, “God Himself will provide the lamb.” As the story progresses, Isaac is on the altar, Abraham obeys to the fullest. God knowing his heart, stops him and in substitution, provides a male lamb for the sacrifice. The lamb provided.
Exodus 12: God prepares the Israelites to leave the captivity of Egypt. Instructions were given as the Angel of Death would soon be unleashed. “Take the lamb” slay and place the blood of the lamb on the doorpost of the home. The blood now over them—death avoided. The lamb protected.
John 1: John the Baptist, known as an eccentric evangelist and prophet, sees Jesus approaching; he openly declares, “Look, behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John purposely points to Jesus, the shift of attention—to the divine. The Lamb proclaimed.
John 19: Jesus is hung on a cross, just before His last breath, He states, “It is finished” (v30). Jesus, the Lamb of God is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins, (1 John 2:2, Ro 3:23-25) meaning that through His death on the cross, God’s wrath is satisfied, and forgiveness and reconciliation is offered to mankind. The Lamb propitiated (Big fancy theological word).
Revelation 5: The heavenly citizens declare before the throne, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (v12). THAT verse! Read it again as Holy Spirit breathes on you with His Majesty! Let’s all stand to our feet! The Lamb PRAISED!
As we enjoy dark chocolate with cream filled eggs (I SO love Easter candy) let’s take these next few days building up to Easter—our dots connected, as we wholeheartedly consider the Lamb of God. The blood stained cross. The empty tomb. Focusing, seeing, understanding and participating in the celebration of Jesus. What a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace, as well as the profound cost of our redemption.
It’s not about the bunny—it’s about the LAMB!
The lamb provided, protected, proclaimed, propitiated and praised.
Worthy is the LAMB!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
For more of what Jesus did for YOU …
Remember (Easter Devo)
We might say we need to remember that Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska for the seven across answer on a crossword puzzle, or that in ‘1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue’ for a rousing game of Trivia – facts, mere facts. However, remembering in the Bible is different. Jewish culture treats remembering as a behavioral response, just as hearing and obeying are synonymous. Some 235+ times remember is mentioned. In the Hebrew, it literally means ‘to properly mark, so as to recognize.’ The first mention is found in the story of Noah. God puts Noah, his family and the animals in a big boat, while outside the rains are in a downpour, the waters rise and the boat stays afloat for many days. “But God remembered Noah and all… and He sent a wind over the earth and the waters receded.” (Genesis 8:1). God marked Noah. His plan was implemented and in process. Genesis 9, the ark now sits on dry ground, Noah and family are out, the animals disperse, God promises not to destroy everything with water again, sealing His promise, He gives a rainbow as a reminder:
“I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant 
between Me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” (Genesis 9:13-16 NIV, emphasis mine)
The sign of the rainbow is a reminder to GOD – when the bow appears, He remembers, His response would be consistent with His covenant. He remembers, He rescues and He acts. Remember. Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25, see also Hebrews 10) God’s response is consistent with His character. His plan was implemented and in process.
God often directs His people in the Old Testament to remember their past and all that He had said and done for them: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you… Remember the Sabbath… Remember the law…” Why? So their behavioral response would reflect revelation, awareness of their God, and of relationship, they are His.
Remember.
J
esus also speaks of remembering. The Last Supper, He instructs the disciples to take the bread and the cup, representing His body and blood and “Do this in remembrance of Me.”(Luke 22, 1 Corinthians 11) His plan was implemented and in process. We, who are heirs of all the promises (Galatians 3:29) are to remember. The call to remember goes beyond mental facts, beyond partaking of the bread and wine, it is a call for response – of recognition – ALL that He is, all that He did, we remember His covenant, His character… He remembers, He rescues and He acts -invoking a response on our part of worship and of lifestyle.
This world is loud and crazy busy – as we near Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday (Happy Easter!) may we take pause of life, and of heart and properly mark Jesus! His plan was implemented and in process – “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Can I get an AMEN!
Remember.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
IT IS FINISHED, Red Letter Easter!
Have you ever sat and read through the New Testament and read ONLY the words in red? Jesus’ words. For a completely new perspective, I challenge us to do just that. I know context is everything, but let’s step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snap shot of Jesus. His strength, authority, His love and compassion.
Without all the narrative, those stand alone red words pack a powerful punch, knowing that Jesus says them. There are dramatic statements, strong commands and tender words. “Let it be so…” (Matt. 3:15) “It is written…” (Matt.4:4) “Get up…” (Matt. 9:6) “Take courage it is I…” (Matt 14:27) “Quiet, Be still…” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth …” (Jn. 11:43) “Don’t be afraid just believe…” (Mark 5:36) “What do you want Me to do for you…” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am…” (Lk. 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you...” (Jn. 8:11) “I am He…” (Jn. 18:6).
These are just a few, but there is one more that stands out among the rest. Here I do want to set the context. Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands are nailed to a wooden cross. Hours earlier, He knelt in a garden declaring with complete honesty, “Abba Father … everything is possible for You. If You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Lk 22:42)
God’s will. There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar water was given to Jesus, He said “It is FINISHED...” ( Jn. 
19:30 emphasis mine) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
It is finished. The word in the Greek is amazing! Stand back and take in the whole Technicolor filled screen, I don’t think even Steven Spielberg with all his creative genius could convey the scene that was unfolding upon humanity. The word ‘tetelestai’ comes from the verb teleo, meaning: “To bring to an end. To accomplish something not merely to end it, but bring it to perfection for its designed goal.” (Read that again) It signifies the successful end to a particular course of action. Grammatically in the Greek, it is a crucial word, it is in the ‘perfect tense.’ Meaning the action was completed in the past with results continuing in the present. Basically, “This happened and it is still in effect TODAY.” One might say, “The gift that keeps on giving.” (This is different from the ‘past tense’ which points to an event, declaring ‘This happened.’ Nothing more. The end.)
As Jesus said this, His blood flowing down His forehead, from His hands and His feet, He declares sharply, the debt owed to God the Father is now wiped away. His sacrifice, now eliminating the debt owed by mankind … you and me. May we take careful notice, Jesus didn’t say. “I am finished.” That would imply He a mere man and died defeated. Instead, He declares, “It is finished.” When he died, he left no unfinished business behind. He successfully completed the work He came to do. Our sinful inheritance (Thanks Adam & Eve!) causing a HUGE gap between us and God, BUT …because of Jesus’ life, death and RESURRECTION designed of the Father, is now bridged over for full access, clean and righteous in God’s sight. So we might be become mature & whole in our relationship with God. Can we get a AMEN!
Noting, just prior to this spectacular moment in history, Jesus is in the upper room with the disciples sharing the Last Supper. He takes the bread, ripping pieces off the loaf, handing it to them, symbolizing His body to be broken, then the wine symbolizing His blood to be shed. Here is the only place He declares we … REMEMBER. Not Christmas, His birth. Not the healing of the many, the deliverance of the demonic, the turning of the money tables in the Temple. These ALL wonderful, yet they don’t define US. Jesus didnt say, “Think about this in remembrance of me.” He said, ‘Do this…” We are PARTICIPATORS! We actively engage ourselves. We take the bread, the wine and by golly we accept gratefully His sacrifice. “The purpose of the Lord’s death and resurrection was to once and for all open us up to a new and guilt-free relationship with God. Communion is not intended to focus on what you were, but on who God has made you to be in Christ.” – Pastor John Halford. I am now a daughter of the Most High God, when God looks at me, He doesnt see my sinful nature, He sees Jesus. His redemptive blood covering me with love, mercy and amazing grace.
As the pages turn from Genesis to this very moment, God’s story is fulfilled. Does it end here? No! But the bridge back to the Father is perfected. Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy 
Easter) engages and commissions the disciples, returns to heaven to reign forever. Now we the church, as inspired by the Holy Spirit carry on with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.
Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King! “It is finished.“ Now let’s LIVE like it really IS! Relationship offered, relationship restored. May we live each day as a red letter day!
Blessed Easter to you and yours,
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain 