SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 19:28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
OBSERVATION: “It is finished!” What a statement full of meaning. Around this statement is wrapped the history of the earth. Not only back to Genesis 1:1, but further back to the reason for creation! The earth plan was to demonstrate God’s great capacity to love. With great cost to Himself, God would make a sacrifice of such great value to cover all the sins of man! It was now finished!
But not only history past, but all history yet to be written flows out of this statement. History written by the sacrifices of redeemed who value the SON more than their own lives. History reaching beyond the graves of countless lovers of God. History that reaches beyond the great gathering of sleeping and living believers into HIS presence! History that reaches to the Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb in the courts of heaven. History that will go on for years and years and years without end!!! It I all centered in “IT IS FINISHED!!!”
APPLICATION: And so it is with every one of us who believe. We come to an end of trying to save ourselves. Our efforts are finished and we place our faith in what Jesus did on the cross. He finished the payment for my sins.
PRAYER: Lord, I believe you died for me. I accept your offer of forgiveness. I am finished with trying to live good enough to satisfy your holy demands. I could never live holy enough to meet your righteous standard. I could never earn enough good credits to deserve a place in your heaven. Jesus, I trust your holiness, and your payment for sin to be sufficient to cover my sins. Jesus. come live in me and be my Lord. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Personal note: Today I went to see the doctor who did the biopsy last week. He is recommending some radiation treatment and a scan to see if cancer has spread to any other parts of my body. He felt that the treatment would not interfere with bus driving, and so it should not interfere with writing and sending out the SOAPs. Praise the Lord! Pray for God to be glorified. 😊
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 