If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to someone, you treasure the last words spoken. You remember what was said. You hold on to those final words. For Lent in 2021, we are focusing on the last words of Jesus from the cross. What did he say? What does it mean for us? How do those words change us? This week we focus on the word “triumph.” To all the world, the cross looked like a defeat. And yet, the final word of Jesus from the cross is a word of victory! “It is finished.”
Invitation Prayer
King of Kings, through your death you triumphed over death. Through your resurrection you have raised me to new life. May your kingdom come. Reign and rule over my life this day. Amen.
Confession
Merciful Lord, how often have surrendered to temptation, to the world, to my own sinful desires. How often have I ended the day ashamed and defeated. Yet You have triumphed over them all. Forgive my sins and strengthen my love that in You I may finally win the victory. Amen.
Word
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20)
Meditation
“It is finished,” Jesus said from the cross. By his sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, our lives are changed, and salvation has come. But sin and death are still evident and our struggle remains.
“It is finished” will be spoken again, at the end of this age. On the Last Day, Christ will speak what he spoke from the cross and it will be full and final. He will declare it once and for all, and there will be no trace of death, no hint of sin. Until the final day, we trust, wait, and watch for him. We pray words that close out the Holy Scriptures, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Yes, King of Kings, come soon.
Lord Jesus, come quickly. When my prayers fail and I have no other words, I call to you, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Amen.
Sending Prayer
I step forward in quiet boldness, Father, for I go forth in your promise, with great expectation and triumphant joy. I praise You Lord, for I have this confidence that the day is already won in Jesus. I praise and glorify Your name now and forevermore. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com