IT IS FINISHED!!!
- Rita Larson
- Apr 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Have you ever lost someone really close to you? February 9th, 2013, is a day that I will never forget. On this day, I lost my Dad. I will never forget this tragic day. I had a six-hour drive just to get to the hospital he had been airlifted to. I knew it was a very serious medical condition and that time was of the essence. I prayed and prayed on the way there which seemingly took forever. The fear of losing my Dad and the despair of not being able to do anything about it were heart-wrenching. When I got to the hospital I rushed into the ICU area, Bible clenched in my hand looking for my Mom. When I got to the ICU waiting room, my mom and brother were there along with a Chaplain. The Chaplain approached me, and I was asked to step into a side room. Being a nurse, I knew what that meant. I knew my Dad had passed away. I immediately began sobbing and my heart was beating out of my chest. I didn’t make it in time. I never even got to say goodbye. The grief was so heavy and the hurt so deep on that day, that I will never forget it. I imagine this doesn’t compare to the anguish and despair those around Jesus must have felt on Good Friday.
Good Friday is a day of reflection and sorrow, yet also a day of joy and hope. On this day, Jesus willingly gave up His life, sacrificing Himself for the sins of mankind. In Isaiah 53:5-6, it is written that “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
In Luke 23:44, it is written that “it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.” This darkness was a sign of God’s sadness and grief over the death of His son, Jesus Christ. As the disciples watched, I am sure they were filled with despair and grief. In Luke 23:48, it is written that “all the people that came together to that sight beheld him, and smote their breasts.” Again, I cannot imagine the sorrow and grief the disciples must have felt on that day. I can identify with their feelings of despair and hopelessness. After all, if the Son of God could not be saved, what hope did they have?
The disciples followed Jesus through countless miracles, healings, and teachings. They had placed their hopes in Him, and now He was being tortured and killed in the cruelest way imaginable. It seemed as if all their hopes had been dashed, and they must have felt betrayed.
It is important to remember that Jesus Himself had spoken of his death and resurrection as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42 KJV). He willingly endured the cross and despicable shame that was put upon Him, knowing that through His death, we would have the hope of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.
The crucifixion was not the end of the story, but in many ways, it was the beginning. It was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for us, and of His desire to bring us back into a relationship with Him. Jesus is the Redeemer. He uses even the darkest moments to bring about good and to draw us closer to Him.
At times, we may feel hopeless and despair in the face of loss or tragedy, but we have the promise of forgiveness and eternal life in Jesus Christ. As we reflect on Good Friday, remember the love and grace that Jesus showed in His suffering and death and rejoice in the promise of the Resurrection. For it is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are redeemed and forgiven of our sins, and given the hope of everlasting life. As we anticipate Resurrection Day, let us be filled with joy and hope in the knowledge that Jesus Christ has won the victory over death and the grave! Let us rejoice, knowing that “It is finished!” Hallelujah!
©Rita Larson 4/7/2023
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