It Is Finished
by Jerry Ousley

What a relief! It was the first time I had ever done that I'm speaking of completing the writing of a book. Over the years I had begun writing several, none of which ever got finished and frankly when I'd pick up the manuscript to review it thinking that maybe I'd begin working on it again, well, it stunk. What had I been thinking anyway? But now, here it was; the completed manuscript of my very first book "Soul Challenge." Of course there were a few more edits to come but it's just hard to describe the feeling of coming to "THE END."

Since then we have finished an additional five books including a novel, and we are currently working on another one. You'd think that as more are completed that the feeling would not be as great but let me tell you the sensation is the same each time. You gain a sense of accomplishment.

In all the various talents found in people today I'd say that the sensation is the same for each of us whether it's writing a book, building a house, putting the last brush stroke on a painting, or fixing your car. The feeling of accomplishment is the same. Most everyone has experienced it so I know that you know what I'm talking about.

Jesus finished the greatest accomplishment ever when He died on the cross. He had been punished and suffered like no other human being has ever suffered. He had endured the beating with the scourge that would have killed most men. He went through the mocking and embarrassment of being unjustly accused of crimes He had not committed. And now, after having a crown of thorns pushed down on His head and carrying His cross up the hill, then being nailed to it and raised into the air for all to see, it was time to finish the work. We read in John 19:30, "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." Was He being over dramatic? Of course not. Was he demanding that the world witness His death as being greater than that of any other? The answer is no. But He had accomplished His mission on this miserable planet. He had paid the penalty for the sin of all who had ever lived or ever would live. No other could boast of such a feat.

Even though His body was wracked with pain I can't help but feel that He also died with that sense of accomplishment. It was finished. He would never have to go through it again and neither would anyone else.

We're told that He "gave up His spirit." That's significant. The Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers, tried as they had, really had not snuffed out His life. When the job was done He "dismissed His spirit." It was His own willful act. That is the literal interpretation of those words "He gave up His spirit." Because the hour of the Jewish Sabbath was drawing near they had sent soldiers out to break the legs of the three hanging on the crosses. This would have hastened their deaths so that they wouldn't be left there during the Sabbath. Had they not done this many who had been crucified hung on for two or even three days. They marveled when they came to Jesus and discovered that they didn't have to do their gruesome job because He was already dead. That's because they didn't kill Him; He had dismissed His spirit A willful act on His part.

What He accomplished that day was what God had intended to do since the day Adam and Eve sinned in Eden. All the types and prophecies of the Old Testament pointing to the sufferings of the Messiah were fulfilled. The demands of the ceremonial Law of Moses had been adequately and completely met. An end to transgression had been found and the works of redemption and salvation were now complete. In this the justice of God had been satisfied, a fatal blow had been given to the devil, a fountain of grace had been opened which would ever flow along with the fountain of peace and happiness which would never fall. He finished it all! Now all we must do is to accept what Christ accomplished for us. Open His book. Read it from beginning to end and accept what Jesus did for you. You'll never regret it and it will change your world, your circumstance and your life forever.

Jerry D. Ousley is the Author of five books, "Soul Challenge", "Soul Journey" "Ordeal" "The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional" and his first novel "The Shoe Tree." Listen to the daily broadcast Spirit Bread. Find out more by visiting www.spiritbread.com
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Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS