It Is Finished

 

When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30, NIV)

Good Friday is a day for remembering Jesus the perfect Lamb of God taking our place on the cross, offering his body in full payment of the sins of all mankind: past, present, and future. His birth divided history by counting backwards the years before his birth, and counting forwards the years after his birth. His death on that first Good Friday split the Bible into the Old Testament (covenant) and the New Testament. Jesus did not do away with the law of Moses -- he fulfilled it in our place as Jesus cried out on the cross, "It is finished". The cross beckons to all of us yet today to make our response to Jesus' invitation:

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NIV)

Neil's work in the Kisii District is also finished, but in a much different sense. Neil is coming home to Morris, MN having participated in some of the work Jesus has given us to do. Many people responded to the invitation to "come to Jesus" and several also received the gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to send. Neil and Francis are tired, but enjoying the presence of Jesus that has remains with them as they head to their homes. 

May your Easter weekend celebration be especially meaningful this year! Thank you so much for your prayers. The effectiveness of whatever we do is established in prayer.

Love,
Ruth