Jesus is Essential
John 17:4: I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
The Lord Jesus is handing in His final report to the Father. He hasn’t died on the Cross yet; but, as far as God is concerned, He speaks of things which are not as if they are. Future tense for God is just as accurate as past tense. Our Lord Jesus is going to the Cross to die and then will rise again. On the Cross, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). That means our redemption was finished. He has done everything that was necessary. We can put a period there. We cannot add a thing to His finished work. Therefore, the gospel of salvation is not what God is asking you to do, but what God is telling you that He has already done for you. It is your response to that which saves you. 1
Walking with Jesus
Faithfulness is developed by finishing the task that God has asked us to do. It is not just completing an assignment or serving in ministry. It is our attitude that matters most. Do we serve others with joy? Are we a vessel of grace towards others? Do we serve even when it is not convenient to our schedule? Do we keep our commitment, even when a better offer comes along? Are we known as a quitter or a contender?
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
Salvation is receiving the gift of His finished work, justifying you forever.
Praying
Lord, you have been my hiding place. Thank You for teaching me how to trust You to do Your work in me.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
