What a great Thanksgiving weekend! A wonderful dinner and delicious left overs. Time with family and friends. Overflowing with gratitude.
The words it is finished may make you think of an empty pie plate or the last bite of the dressing. It may also remind you that the long weekend is over and today you are back to work and life’s normal routine.
Sitting here this morning those three words have totally engulfed me. I am reflecting on what Jesus has done and continues to do in our daily lives.
“It is finished.”
What do those words mean to you? It could mean the end of a bad relationship. Possibly, it’s the completion of a special project, something you’ve been working on for a long time, it’s done and you can be proud of the result. You may be moving to a new place or a new job and your life is filled with uncertainty. Whatever those words mean to you, Jesus has chosen to be with you in each situation.
If it’s the end of a bad relationship, Jesus knows what it was like to be heart-broken. He was filled with great sorrow as He looked at Jerusalem and saw how they had walked away from the Lord. One of the reasons He came was to heal the broken-hearted and bring us into right relationship, a relationship with the Father.
“Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19 NLV
Jesus worked on His earthly project for 33 years. It had been in the planning stage in heaven thousands of years before that. The project of restoring mankind to his original place, a place of right relationship was finished. He had paid the price, redemption was complete. God, the Father, was very pleased with what Jesus had done.
The work on earth was finished. The power of sin was destroyed. It was time to celebrate in heaven. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us and then He will come again and take us there. Once we get there, to heaven, a wonderful banquet will be prepared for us to enjoy. Talk about thanksgiving, we will have a wonderful time with family and friends.
“There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. ” John 14:2-3 CEV
Now, if it’s time for you to make a move, to transition, to another location or another office, He is there. We have God’s promise that He will never leave us or abandon us. King David said even if I go to hell, He is there.
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10 NKJV
Whatever you are saying it is finished to, know that it is time to look ahead with a hopeful heart. God will direct our steps and lead you to a good place.
“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.
2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water.
3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV