PPic: Oberon Golf Course - Links Pro Am 2006

PGA Chaplain Bible Studies

Study Thirty Two Sept 1st to 7th 2008.
Reading – John Chapter 19:28-37.

“It is Finished!”

“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said “It is finished.”With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John Chapter 19: verses 28 to 30. (New International Version).

Getting to finish something in life is quite an achievement sometimes. There are books that I am still reading but find hard to complete, building a house project that began 5 years ago and the soil has just turned. Jigsaws that are difficult to complete are another. There are Trainee professionals who battle through a 3 year  apprenticeship that includes exams and tough playing requirements. Not everyone makes it to the end; some find the journey too difficult. The initial enthusiasm has to be matched with perseverance and steadfastness to be able to say, “It is finished”.

The words “It is finished” are some of the last words uttered by Jesus before he died. No doubt there is a reference to the suffering he has been put though. So cruel was crucifixion as a form of execution that relief from this was in sight for Jesus. But the words have a greater significance than that. The phrase also has the meaning of it is accomplished. In this way Jesus is referring to his whole life and completing the work his Father (God) gave him to do. The words carry a sense of relief and accomplishment; being able to rest knowing you have given everything of yourself. For Jesus his memories as he died might include such times as visiting the Temple at 12 years of age, meeting John and being baptised in the wilderness, being tempted in the desert for 40 days, remembering his followers, both men and women, teaching the crowds, seeing the joy of those he healed and the battle with the religious leaders. In all these things and others Jesus has walked with his Father and done his will. There was no clearer purpose in Jesus’ life than simply to do the Father’s will!
His death has great significance as the Lamb of God whose shed blood will wash away the sins of the world. Jesus will die knowing he has completed the work he was given. In a few days time a new beginning will emerge where death will no longer hold any power.

I have found it hard at times to keep going with God. Sometimes I feel like giving up and just living my own life. But I find that God will not let me go, that he encourages and helps me just like he helped Jesus when he asked for his Father’s help.

I hope that for each of us who know Jesus, that we will be able to say we finished the race, we held our faith in Jesus and our walk with him to our last breath. I remember when Jesus asked his disciples one day if they wanted to leave him also, when others left. The response came; to who else could we go, you alone have the words of eternal life.

Prayer
Great God and Father, thank you for your son who finished the work you called him to do. Help me today to continue to walk in your ways. Amen.

Upcoming Events

Click event for more details.

Wyong Trainee Pro-Am.

Venue: Wyong Golf Cub
Date: Monday 17th November.
Cost: $50
Tee Time: 7:30am and
12 noon shotgun start.
Contact: Graham on 02 9740 9069
or email.

Site by Limelight