Deals And More Deals

Jesus' last words before His death were, and are powerful words.

"...He said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness - his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth - that you also may believe." - John 19:30b-35 ESV

I was thinking this morning about Jesus' 'It is finished' statement and how important it is.

The Romans are just going about their business. The politics of religion doesn't miss a beat. They send everyone, including the prisoners on the crosses, home early to keep things moving.

'It is finished' doesn't change anything for the politics of religious folks but it changes everything for God. Sin is paid for. The debt is wiped out. God can move forward. The past can be buried. Jesus soon will rise from the grave in glory. One day soon after He will ascend into the clouds to sit at the right hand of the Father. All the while people will be making deals and concessions in backrooms. Politics will continue.

I find it interesting that the Bible fills us in on the deal the religious hierarchy had with the Romans. God knew what the political climate would be and it didn't hinder His redemptive plan a bit.

On one level or another, we deal with pressures brought on by circumstances. This one makes a deal with that one and we need to take a detour of some kind but 'It is Finished!' echoes in our ears as believers.

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you" - 1 Peter 1:20 ESV

"...although his works were finished from the foundation of the world." - Hebrews 4:3b ESV

The Romans may have been planning on ending things early for the Passover but God had been executing a plan since before the beginning of history. On this day all transgressions would be paid for. That payment is for you and for me. It is for every person who has no idea that Jesus' ever existed. It is finished! We are made alive by God when we believe that the payment was made for us. Those who never believe are never quickened.

"'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." - Matthew 22:32 ESV

"Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." - Luke 20:38 ESV

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 ESV

God wants to come in to where we live and make us alive. The first time we answer we will be changed and adopted by God. Then each time we answer the door after that God adds a layer to the relationship.

In the coming weeks we will witness many politically motivated transactions and those decisions have a weight in the world. Power will shift as deals are made.

My primary focus is on the divine transaction that was completed 2000 years ago. That is the one people need to know about. That is the one that can bring life.

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