Scripture's Story for the Week
Words from Jesus on the Cross:
(The sixth word)
John 19:30
30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Pondering Point
Like yesterday’s statement from the cross, this phrase is also but one word. It is finished. Often when a story is finished, it is “the end.” And it was an end to death’s reign over man brought through sin. But this was also a beginning, which is why Jesus is called “first-fruits from the dead.”
He wasn’t the first person recorded to rise from the dead. But He was the first to rise imperishable (see 1 Corinthians 15). Death no longer able to touch Him. In that sense, He is a first-fruit with many of us to follow, also rising to a new life in baptism as we are connected to Jesus’ death and resurrection. And eventually the very bodies we will receive will be just like His: Imperishable.
1 Corinthians 15:52-57
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for swallowing up death and giving me the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to the imperishable body in store for me in the new heaven and new earth. Till then, grant me optimal health in the current perishable body that I may honor You in thought, word and deed. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Words from Jesus on the Cross:
Go, make disciples of all nations
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
That goal of Jesus to make disciples of all nations seems to have made it to your doorstep. Praise God! Through faith in God, you have been invited into discipleship under Jesus. May you follow Him well, obeying all that Jesus commanded – included the call to make disciples of others. And do it, being sure Jesus is with you always, to the very end of the age.