Jesus’ prayer for rest at his completed work
Amanda Idolman
Bible Reading:
“When Jesus received the sour wine, he said, ‘It’s over,’ and he bowed his head and gave up on the spirit. ” – John 19:30
Read or listen to the following:
The incarnation of Jesus tried to show his fantastic love to his fallen creation. He knew that without willing to lay out his own life, mankind had no hope in a life beyond the grave. He gave us his life on our behalf, so we were able to participate in our relationship with him and enjoy the hopes of heaven.
All the biblical stories leading up to Jesus’ death foreshadowed this history-changing event. Abraham sees him climbing a mountain ready to sacrifice his only son until God provides an alternative. We read that Moses could lead his people out of the wilderness into the Promised Land, where they could ultimately thrive as a nation. I see Isaiah’s prophecy explaining in detail what the Messiah was hundreds of years ago before Jesus entered the flesh.
Jesus was the pinnacle of so many expectations. The Messiah arrived, but his way of doing things was not what the Jews expected. Then he lost an unjust death. Time will reveal that this death is the only way for him to fill our sins, and that his resurrection will demonstrate his ultimate power and authority over evil.
Now we can celebrate. Because we have been given a light greater than darkness to light our way into the eternal kingdom defined by righteousness and love. What mercy did he show for us while we were still sinners! He took the form of a man and was humbled enough to die the death of a criminal on the cross, so we can know him.
As we meander through this chaotic life, we are led by love fully displayed for the world on the cross. When we do not understand the present, we can find peace knowing that our eternity is secured by the Merciful God who loves us. One day, all tears are wiped out and we share eternity in the city of his garden. This truth is the well where our peace and rest are brought out.
When meditating on the completed work of the cross, think about how safe your presence is, as Christ has provided His perfection to clean up many of our mistakes. With him, the best hasn’t come yet. We know that we are loved, so we can live in perfect peace.
Let’s pray:
Thank you, God, for the perfect work of the cross. You died so politely on my behalf that I was able to know you and spend the present through eternity in relation to you. Let me cover my mind with your supernatural peace as I consider how safe my future is within you. Let my soul know that I belong to you and I am loved beyond reason. Thank you for the cross. Don’t get tired of the reality that you gave it all because you loved me. Please update my joy of salvation on this Easter. Please reveal to me in a new way what the cross means to me. Amen.
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Amanda Idolman is a writer who is passionate about encouraging others to live happily. She writes my daily biblical verse prayers and podcasts, dedication of Cross Walk Couples’ dedication app. She recently published Devotion and Solace. Find out more about Amanda on her Facebook page or follow her on Instagram.
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