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
Jesus had been on the cross for many hours. But he had suffered most of the night before with accusations, beatings, and torture. Now near the end of His life Jesus, knowing the outcome said, "It is Finished." I believe that when Jesus spoke those words, He was not announcing that it was all over and that He was dying. I believe that He was reporting to the Father that His earthly assignment was complete. His proclamation affirmed that he had served His appointed time on earth, had victoriously won the battle, and secured that salvation of all mankind who believe in Him. I believe that when He bowed His head, it was not in defeat, but in salutation to the Father in reverence and respect. And as he gave up His spirit, He did not simply die, but willing completed the ultimate sanctification by separating His Spirit from His body.
The beauty of the text is that as we commemorate Good Friday we too can issue a proclamation, perform a salutation, and conduct a sanctification.
Today we can proclaim that that habit, that struggle, and that problem is finished. Romans 4:17 reminds it to speak those things which are not as though they are. And with faith what we speak can come to pass. We can overcome whatever is holding us back form achieving all that God has for us.
Today we can salute God in a posture of prayer whether with a bowed head, a bended knee or lying prostrate in submission and reverence to our Heavenly Father. When we come in prayer we must be humble and submissive to the God, the Great Creator, who sent God's Son into the world to serve as a ransom for our sins.
Today we can separate ourselves, in an act of sanctification, from anything or anyone that separates us from a right relationship with God through Jesus. Exodus 20:3-4 reminds us that we should always put God before anything else. And Matthew 6:33 reminds us that when we seek a relationship with God first, God will supply our needs.
As we observe Holy week and its culmination on Resurrection Sunday let us be mindful that everyday we have the opportunity to deliver a proclamation, perform a salutation, and conduct a sanctification. Have a Blessed and Happy Resurrection Day.