‘It is finished!’
Rev Stephen Schultz
Assistant Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand
‘When will it end? Will it ever end?’ These questions are asked by countless people worldwide for various reasons.
It is asked by those experiencing the latest conflict in their lands, those living under oppressive rule, those experiencing violence in the home, those finding it hard to make ends meet, those suffering from injury or disease or grief, and those who are struggling with addiction.
So many are wondering: When will it end? Will it ever end?
Promises are made – by governments, big business and industry and other well-meaning people (and sometimes not). But still, it doesn’t end. They can’t end it – not through money, force, policies or strategy.
The world is in quite a mess – incapable of fixing things or ending things. But God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Jesus was born into our world as one of us – truly human and truly God.
Jesus entered the pain and suffering, the brokenness and failure. He experienced injustice and violence. He did not resist it or avoid it. He faced it. He came to bring an end to it. As he hung on a cross dying, it was hard to see how this could end anything. But with some of his last words from the cross, Jesus said: ‘It is finished!’
It seemed as though he was finished. But these were not words of defeat. Jesus had completed his task of paying the price for all of our unfinished business.
After three days, Jesus rose again from the dead. His first words to his followers as the risen Lord were: ‘Peace be with you.’ They are words that are full of promise.
The risen Lord Jesus brings us the hope of an end to suffering, injustice, violence and death. The risen Lord Jesus brings us a new beginning of forgiveness, mercy, peace and life. He finished his work on the cross, and he lives to begin a new work in us.
Jesus promises to be with us always as he deals with the unfinished business in our lives. This new life with him will never end. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
In Christ,
Stephen
(LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith is currently on rest and refreshment leave.)
