It is finished!

Jesus' last words on the cross ring with a simplicity and profoundness that thrills his disciples and encourages their hearts, knowing that the work of salvation has once and for all been accomplished on their behalf. Nothing is missing and there is no lack in what is needed for our eternal souls. All we need do is to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." Some might claim this is a contradiction in the Scripture; i.e. that He has done it all but that we have something to do. There is no contradiction here at all. The opportunity for us to participate in his plan provides great fulfillment, joy, and challenge to those of us who love him and desire above all things to please our Father.

Navigating the journey of life and ministry becomes so much more joyful when it is recognized that He has completed the work required but that we can join with him in his plan. As I reflect on my own life of ministry, my most frustrating times were when I took the full responsibility for ministry and momentarily shouldered the task of building the church on my own. That my friend, is a load no earthly leader can achieve. In fact, it is not up to you or me to make "His" Church grow. Only he can do that. When we find ourselves building our own church, we effectively leave him out of the process and are taking the responsibility of doing our own thing. Serving the Lord in ministry does not always mean success from a perspective of finances, numerical growth, or human achievement. I do believe that God calls us to effective ministry, but I have been around too long to believe that success in ministry can always be measured through the natural eye.

The finished work of Christ on the cross assures the believer that God is sufficient to accomplish the work he wants done. He will do that through you and me as well. We obviously have a role to play in his kingdom but don't shoulder it alone this year. We can work for him. But we must never work without him. When we work with him we find his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Whatever 2009 may have in store, this I know. Jesus has completed the work of salvation and our job is to proclaim that "It is finished!"