What are the final words of a tortured, dying man who has just accomplished his great mission?
“It is finished.”
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 NIV
Those words alone should be enough to tell us that Jesus died on that cross for a planned purpose.
For 32 years I have suffered from chronic pain off and on because of multiple car accidents. Blinding migraines that give me the sensation of my skull being crushed and an icepick stabbed in my eye (usually left eye), neck aches that feel like I have a screwdriver pushed into the lower back part of my skull, and low back aches that feel anywhere from like my back is on fire to sharp sciatica Charlie horses that last for months. Too often the pain has been so excruciating, that I cannot imagine dying hurting any more. If I was to die from the torturous pain I described above, I seriously doubt “It is finished.” would be my final words.
Those were Jesus’ words because He accomplished what He was sent on earth to do. Humanity owed a debt to God we had no means with which to repay. Jesus’ assignment on earth was to be God’s redeeming payment on our behalf. And He followed through with it; Jesus paid our debt.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 Jesus’ death was the proof of God’s love for us.
Please let us remember that Jesus’ dying words were for our sakes. Let’s remember that this weekend in humble adoration to the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
Such a wonderful beauty I see
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It’s shame and approach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down,
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/r/religious_music/the_old_rugged_cross.html
By ~ Elizabeth Yalian 2014 ©http://hiseyeisonthissparrow.com. ♛
HIS EYE IS ON THIS SPARROW TOO Still Learning to Lean on God 
I cannot imagine anyone else living through the torture of chronic intense / severe pain like I do. I used to be a nurse, loving work and taking care of others. Then the motor vehicle accidents (2) happened, leaving me in everlasting pain in this life. Each day is a mega struggle to endure and not give up. Medications, injections, treatments, everything (I sure hope no one posts something else for me to eat/drink/whatever because I’ve tried enough) fails to take away the same severe spasms, spears of fire, twisting flesh like a pretzel, limping, too weak to get up and seizure like activity with tremors. I too long for the day when all the bible promises come true. If it were not for those promises, all based on and guaranteed by Jesus’ sacrificial death, would I have given up long, long ago? Probably. I hope you have days of no pain, truly, a respite or vacation from your pain. Once in a while, I have less pain, but then it comes roaring back with a vengeance. With the most gentle and compassion-filled hugs to you ♥
Oh Konarose, I am so sorry you have to live in such an agonizing way. There are no words that can comfort a person who suffers in this way other than the words of understanding from a fellow sufferer, and of course the Words of God, words that offer much hope, words that say this is not all there is to life, and that eternity will be free of pain and tears for those who love Him. Lord bless your day and may there be healing in your future soon in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Reblogged this on U.S. Constitutional Free Press.
Thank you for the reblog, John!