It is Finished! - 1 Corinthians 15:55
Tuesday March 22
It is Finished! - 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
Recently I was visiting a friend who has studied Luther's works but was raised in another prominent faith. During our conversations about many things including health care, the presidential election, family dysfunction, and our failing bodies, she jokingly said, "Well, after I am reincarnated, I'll get it right the next time around." Which, of course, brought on more discussion.
How often do we think we will finally get a handle on our life? How endless is the struggle over bad habits, the untamed tongue, and poor choices that hurt ourselves and others?
Without Christ, our outlook is utterly hopeless! Like the apostle Paul wails, "Oh wretched man that I am!"
But thank God, Jesus has taken care of our sin. Every day, we can find ways where we have failed miserably to honor God and serve our neighbor. But every night before we close our eyes, we can remember that we are a Baptized child of God. We can come to Him daily in Bible study and prayer. We can gather weekly to hear the Word preached, be assured our sins are forgiven, and receive the Lord's Supper.
Through Christ, our Savior, our future is secure.
How wonderful to know that Jesus' words are as true today as they were two thousand years ago. When Jesus said from the cross, "It is finished!" He meant it.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that through Jesus you have given us the gift of eternal life. In spite of our trials here on earth, help us to realize what Good News this truly is. Help us to share with others that “hope that lies within us”.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rosemary Sternbeck - Fairbanks, Alaska