Finish The Work

Jesus is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

It's hard on Resurrection Sunday, the day in which we celebrate Christ's conquering of death, hell and the grave, to consider just how much "work" goes into living a life of faith in God. And yet, as I'm certain I've stated in previous years, the words "It Is Finished" as an incredible sentiment.

In fact, Easter Sunday remains, perhaps the most #effectiveSunday ever!

Which is utterly amazing. Just as amazing though, are some thoughts on Passover itself, which of course, now that I was looking for a particular reference point, I can't locate it.

But consider this.

The people of Israel depart from Egypt the day after the angel of death passes over.
Christ departs, the day after having celebrated Passover with His disciples.

And the southern kingdom, operated on a different calendar than Christ and the northern kingdom. So their preparation of the Passover was consistent with the preparation of the lamb, only in this case, the Lamb of God.

What I find chilling... the sky going dark. It's representative of the angel of death claiming the first born. Only this time, the first born of Heaven; Christ's blood covering the doorpost of the Earth for the rest of humanity.

We all have times, where we can't see ourselves completing the task or seeing a process through to the end. If Jesus suggested His willingness to exit stage left before the final scene should that be a viable option, how prone are we to want to do the same? Nevertheless, He remained to the closing curtain, only to rip it apart, in order that there wouldn't be just an eruption of eternal gratitude but an invitation into relationship with the Father.   

How awesome, is the sovereign timing of the Hand of God; if for the love of His firstborn, how much more His created being! And the work of His Hand, throughout the Earth to our innermost corner of the soul.

A holy work.
A refining work.
A transforming work.
A perfecting work.
A diving work.
A personal work.
A redemptive work.
A finished work.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that many would come to know this work; His work... of the love of God to liberate us from our sinful state. Pray that we would know Christ like never before; possessing a greater understanding, appreciation and purpose of His life. May those around us see Christ in us, that we would display His love and grace to a world in desperate need of Him. Pray that new life would arise, as the life of Christ is raised.   May we be faithful to complete the work that God has started in us, as much as Christ remained  in the Father, that He might complete His ordained work on this Earth.

Effective for the cause of Christ
For the glory of God
That eternity would be forever changed.
Again.

- PNC