John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I quoted this verse just yesterday, but the meaning is still fresh today. Everything Jesus did was intentional, and He did it for us. He did it to fulfill the plan that He, His Father, and Holy Spirit had come up with before Creation, because they knew that mankind, given free will, would use it to sin, and that would interfere with the whole purpose of Creation. This wasn’t suicide on Jesus’ part, it was releasing everything into the Father’s hands. The verses after this record the surprise of the soldiers that Jesus had died so quickly, and one of them famously used his spear just to be sure, in the process inadvertently fulfilling another Scripture. (verses 33-37) It has always been interesting that with the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki, this specific execution method was followed, with the martyrs tied to their crosses and then, at the signal, they were run through with two spears, one from each side, that crossed in the middle of their chest. That was actually merciful, because it was certainly a quick death. Their persecutors had evidently read this part of the Bible! They too glorified God by their faithfulness, just as Jesus did, though to a much lesser degree. The example is clear for us all: follow through with what God has laid out for us, whatever that involves, for His glory. As Paul said shortly before his own martyrdom, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8) We don’t do all this for nothing, but with the assurance that God will reward us to a degree that will make all our suffering fade into insignificance. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

I continue to maintain that I have had a relatively easy life, particularly compared to what I know that many brothers and sisters in Christ have undergone, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t had moments that felt like real trials and/or suffering. When the time comes, I want to have something similar to the sense of satisfaction – and perhaps relief – that Jesus had when He spoke the words in this verse. I certainly haven’t been as faithful as He was, but God has used me from time to time, and He still does. Just yesterday I ran into a woman whom I didn’t remember at all, but she obviously remembered me and how God had impacted her through me. I am grateful! I want my days to be spent doing God’s will, and leave the results up to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for waking me in the night to pray for some people who need Your touch and the assurance of Your presence right now. May they be filled with Your peace as they trust You to work out Your perfect plans for them, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!