We ran a few minutes late. The parking lot was FULL. Don and I parked next door at the college and walked over. Our hearts thrilled at the church,d filled with those wanting to honor the sacrifice of Jesus for us.

Good Friday–good because God came to earth to live as one of us, to die an anguished, shameful death in order to redeem us. Easter is a time of great joy as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, his conquering of death. But we can’t have Easter without Good Friday. And it wasn’t a good day for Jesus, or for His disciples. Jesus agonized, hung on that rough-hewn cross, struggled to pull himself up for every breath until he gave up his last breath. And his disciples grieved, fearing all their dreams, all their time spent following Jesus was for nothing. Hopes dashed, vision dimmed, grief all-consuming.

He stretched out his arms and died

But the sixth of Jesus’ sayings from the cross was “It is finished.”

It IS finished. He accomplished all that was needed to buy our freedom from sin and eternal separation from God. There is no more I need do to achieve his love, forgiveness, peace, except receive it. Receive the finished work Jesus did when he died, for me. As I acknowledge that he paid the price of God’s judgment on sin and that I am a sinner in need of his forgiveness, he begins his work in me, to change me from the inside out.

My hairdresser and I have been together about fifteen years. A few days ago I told her a few things that weren’t feeling right about my last cut. Finally she looked at me and said “Boy, you’re just imbalanced everywhere aren’t you?” I looked back and responded, almost without thinking, “You bet. I’m so thankful for Jesus. I’m a mess!”

And it’s true. I get jealous, am selfish and prideful. Occasionally I hurt someone I love. I don’t want to do these things. I still sin. But thank God, I am saved by grace. My guilt is gone, covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.

“It is finished” – but it is NOT over. Christ is continuing his work in me, transforming me more into His image. And one day I will be sinless, whole, complete in every way. I look forward to that day. How about you?

^{Phil. 1:6″…} being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

How does God’s promise to complete his work in us encourage you?