Recently, my family went to see the new Spider-Man movie. I have to say I wasn’t overly excited about it. I’m hooked on the Marvel Avenger services and all its tentacles. However, how many times can you redo the Spider-Man series? Really? Apparently, more often than I care to watch. Okay, I did enjoy this new version and its tie into the Avengers. I did laugh. It reminded me of my own teenagers, but it also got me thinking about when is something finished?
How often do I continue to drudge up and recreate difficulties in my life? I reopen old wounds and reply the movie. I go back to old bad habits (sugar) and have to fight my way free again. It can be so frustrating. Yet, I continue to try and do it on my own rather than take what Christ offers so freely.
Jesus’ final words on the cross are powerful. They are His final declaration. It’s a declaration that we can all make in our lives. We just can’t make it alone. We have to make it with Him. Doing it alone leaves me creating another version of an old movie.
29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:29-31 NIV).
When Jesus says, “It’s Finished,” He means it’s finished.
- It’s finished – It’s time to forgive.
- It’s finished – I’m here with you.
- It’s finished – I’ll bring healing.
- It’s finished – You are free.
When I’m tempted to recreate an old movie, I need to declare it’s finished. I need to tell the old patterns of self to get lost. I need to enter the healing process and embrace the freedom that comes with Christ.
Are you with me? Are you ready to stop recreating old movies? Are you ready to embrace the freedom that only comes with Christ’s declaration, “It’s finished?” You won’t regret the decision.
How have you found freedom in Christ? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.