Finishing Well

FINISHING WELL

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” - John 17:4

I must confess that there have been many times that I've started a project with great enthusiasm, only to quit later after the excitement dissipated. Fortunately, many of these projects were not a grand scale.

I've passed by buildings that were constructed for business … only to remain empty after construction ceased. I suspect the projects were underfunded.

Sadly, I've seen many people come to church and even make a profession of faith, then slowly depart from the church, eventually never returning. The Christian life is not a sprint, it is more like a marathon. It is a long race. The race can be difficult at times, yet it is ultimately worth every mile.

As Jesus prayed in John 17, He was nearing the end of His race. His life was coming to an end. Soon He would be arrested, tried and crucified. Without question, Jesus finished His race well. Can the same be said of us?

How does a person finish well? How can we know that the Father will ultimately say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," when we stand before Him? I think we learn from our Lord's example.

In John 17:4, Jesus gives us insight about two ways in which He finished well. Let's consider them and examine our own lives in light of this.

EXALTING THE FATHER

The first thing that Jesus had done in His life, was glorify His Father. In our text, Jesus said, “I have glorified thee on the earth..." Sadly, this is in contrast to the way most Americans live. We don't seek to glorify God. We live to glorify and satisfy ourselves. We want to be noticed. We desire the praise of men. We yearn for worldly success so that others will be impressed.

Our Lord, on the other hand, did not seek the applause of men. Instead, He lived to praise and please His Father.

Where are the people today who seek to only glorify the Lord? Where are the men who are willing to do whatever it takes to please the Lord? Where are the Christians who have no desire for worldly applause but only want the Lord to be praised in all they do?

By the way, why can't that be us?

FULFILLING THE FATHER'S PLAN

In our text, Jesus said, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Jesus came to earth on a mission. It was His Father's mission. Ultimately, His mission would lead to the cross. Everything in His life pointed to Calvary.

Jesus came to redeem sinners. There on the cross, Jesus would give His life for us. The old rugged cross was the place where the justice of God met the mercy of God. There in a grand display of love, Jesus died for you and me.

On the cross of Calvary, Jesus said, "It is finished." The plan of salvation was completed for us, evidenced by the resurrection of Jesus. We should have gratitude every day for the work Jesus completed for us. I am saved by grace, not by my works. I am saved because of His work, not my own. Salvation hinges upon the finished work of our Lord on Calvary and His resurrection from the dead.

Jesus fulfilled the Father's plan. You and I are part of that magnificent plan.

Jesus finished well. He glorified His Father by fulfilling His plan. What about you? Each day you get closer to the end of your earthly life. If your life were to end today, would you finish well? Are you glorifying the Lord daily? Are you accomplishing the work He has given you?

We should live daily with the end in mind. In John 9:4, Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” That is how Jesus lived. Every day, He was faithful in doing the work the Father gave Him to do. He knew His time was limited, so He remained faithful until the end.

You and I have just a short time to live. Life on earth is short and full of surprises. I often think about the words of Ray Comfort, who once said, "Live every day like it is your last day because one day you will be right."

The finish line is just ahead. As the race of life draws to a close, I want to be like Jesus and finish well.

What about you?

Experiencing Eternal Life

 EXPERIENCING ETERNAL LIFE

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” - John 17:3

Eternal life. Sounds great, doesn't it? Life is a gift from the Father above. Eternal life is also a gift, chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and provided by the Holy Spirit.

Mankind has been pursing his own version of everlasting life for some time now. We seek medical breakthroughs, hoping to increase life expectancy. We emphasize healthy choices with the intent of prolonging life here on earth. The goal, it seems, is to ultimately increase life expectancy until death is obliterated. Of course, mankind cannot and will not achieve this. Yet Jesus has. He defeated death, hell and grave. Through His death upon the cross and resurrection from the grave, life has won and death is doomed. Ultimately, death will be the final enemy that is eliminated.

When talking with His Father, Jesus prayed, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Eternal life is found in knowing God through Jesus Christ.

Many people confuse a knowledge of Christ with knowing Christ. Many can use the Christian jargon without personally experiencing any of it. It is possible to talk about doctrine or difficult passages of Scripture and yet never know Jesus Christ personally.

I know about the man who is serving as President of the United States. Yet I don't know him personally. I can tell you several things about him, his family, his beliefs and his past, but I've never shaken his hand or spoken with him. He's never invited me to the White House for a special meal. He doesn't call me on the phone so we can have a friendly chat. Yes, I know about him, but I don't know him personally.

This describes how most people relate with the Lord. They know about Him. Perhaps they know much from Sunday School or church attendance. Maybe they've learned some things from a television or internet preacher. It could be that they know many of the Christian songs that are sung at worship services. But they can't honestly say that they know the Lord in a very personal way.

Yet to know Him is to love Him. When we meet Him, He steps into our lives. We begin to experience spiritual life because of the One lives within. This life is eternal.

Most people are existing, but not really living. Christ is not just the path to life, He is life. His presence in a man's heart brings spiritual life that is unmistakable.

Eternal life is received as we know God through Jesus Christ. It is a genuine experience of love that cannot be purchased or earned. Eternal life is a gift. We enjoy everlasting life when we meet the Lord and experience His divine grace.

There are many experiences in life that a man may enjoy. Yet these experiences are secondary to the divine miracle of saving grace.

I realize that some in the Christian community frown when I use the word, “experience.” Yet salvation is an experience. When a man passes from death unto life, it is an experience. It is a miracle. It is a work of God. Some have buried experience beneath a load of scholarship. While I commend people for studying, our study of Scripture should lead us to know the Lord in a personal way. Furthermore, as believers, we should seek growing levels of experiential knowledge as we grow closer to Christ.

“That I may know him...” were the words that Paul wrote to the Philippians. Obviously, Paul wanted to know Christ even better. He wanted an intimate walk with His Lord. Shouldn't we?

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus came to give us life. Real life. Spiritual life. Abundant life. Eternal life. The real issue is not His willingness to give us this life, but our willingness to receive it.

Eternal life is not found at some utopia place like the fountain of youth. Medical science cannot produce it. Only Jesus Christ can provide it. It is a gift that we simply receive. The Bible says, “... the gift of God is eternal life...”

Have you received this gift? If not, receive this gift right now by faith.

Eternal Life

ETERNAL LIFE

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” - John 17:2

Most humans believe that there is nothing more important than life itself. Yet Psalm 63:3 says, “... thy lovingkindness is better than life.” The source of life is better than life itself. When we properly understand this and appropriate this fact through faith in Christ, we truly begin to live.

As we continue our trip through our Lord's longest recorded prayer, we arrive at John 17:2, where Jesus speaks to His Father about eternal life. As followers of Jesus, we should find comfort and hope in this verse. This verse speaks about eternal life, something that each of us should consider significant. Our Lord prays to the Father about two things: power and purpose. Let's consider them both.

First of all, Jesus prays about His power. “As thou hast given him power over all flesh.” Most politicians are consumed with the prospect of having power. Yet the power they seek to obtain is limited. It is limited in its reach, because political power only impacts a fraction of the population. Secondly, it is limited in its duration. A politician can only serve a few years. His power is temporary. In contrast, the Lord has power, “over all flesh.” Furthermore, His power is not limited by time because He will reign forever.

After His resurrection, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” His power is not restricted in any way. While many wish to remove power from His grasp, they are unable to do so. Ultimately, everyone will bow in submission to Him (see Philippians 2:9-11).

As part of His power, Jesus has the power to give life. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” We are accustomed to men abusing power, but our Lord is using His power for good things, while at the same time staying true to His character of holiness and justice.

Secondly, our text refers to His purpose: “... that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Referring to Jesus, John 1:4 says, “In him was life...” Jesus referred to Himself as life in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It is true that He came to give us life, but we must also recognize that He is life. He is giving us Himself. When we give ourselves to Him at conversion, He gives Himself to us and lives within us.

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Notice what He gives to His followers: ETERNAL LIFE. Let's consider this for a moment.

Notice that He came to give us life. Once we were dead in trespasses and sins. Yes, we existed physically, but we were dead spiritually. Jesus came and gave us life. Many years old, the Speer Family sang a song that featured Dad Speer. It was an up-tempo song called, “I Just Began To Live.” The song described how a person experiences new life in Christ. Regardless of his age, when a sinner meets Jesus, he just begins to live.

Also, consider the duration of the life He brings. It is ETERNAL life. It isn't temporary life or conditional life. It is eternal life. A person receives eternal life the moment he believes. Physical death does not initiate this life. Salvation does. Thus, eternal life does not begin at death, it begins with the new birth. Since it is eternal life, it has no end. Physical death is inevitable for each of us. Yet when a person dies in Christ Jesus, he goes to be with Jesus. His spiritual life never ceases. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Jesus offers eternal life as a free gift. Paul put it this way, “... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life cannot be purchased or earned. Instead, it must be received, by faith, as a gift. You see, eternal life is an expensive gift. It costs more than we could ever afford. It isn't cheap. Jesus paid for this gift with His shed blood on the cross. It is a precious gift. It is a gift of love, chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and is presented by the Holy Spirit.

Have you received this free gift of eternal life? If not, make this the moment you do so.

Glory To His Name

GLORY TO HIS NAME

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” - John 17:1

I still love many of the old hymns. Although I love many new songs, the old hymns seem to be so rich with theology and have such deep emotional impact. One of the hymns that I love is the song, “Glory To His Name.” The lyrics were written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1878. It is believed that he wrote the song while meditating on the crucifixion of Jesus. The song relates the impact the crucifixion has on our lives today. The chorus expresses praise to the Lord for His marvelous work in our lives.

In a world where most people live for their own glory, the Christian faith stands in stark contrast. Properly lived out, Christianity is all about the glory of God. A genuinely converted person seeks to bring glory to God. The Lord is worthy of such glory and praise.

In John chapter 17, we find the longest recorded prayer of our Lord. In this chapter of Scripture, we get a glimpse of the intimate conversation Jesus had with His Father. Although this chapter can be read in about four minutes or less, it would be wise to stop and meditate on the words of this remarkable prayer.

In verse 1, the Bible says that Jesus lifted up His eyes and prayed. I am reminded what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” I think there is something here for all of us to learn. In critical moments, it is better to look up to the Father rather than look down in doubt.

It was a critical hour for our Lord. He said, “The hour is come.” Jesus was nearing the cross. Everything had been leading up to this vital moment. Although Jesus had accomplished much during His ministry, the main objective of His mission would be a cruel death upon a cross.

Next, Jesus made a request to the Father: “...glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” Jesus asked the Father to glorify Him.

Sadly, many Christians would only echo the first part of the prayer and not the last. We want God to glorify us. We want to be lifted up. However, we'd prefer that this occur on our terms rather than the Lord's. You see, the Bible says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” We like being lifted up, but not at the expense of our pride or comfort.

Our Lord was about to face the most humiliating, painful and draining experience of His life. In light of this, He prayed, “...glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” Jesus would be lifted up … on a cross. He had foretold of this event when He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” While reading this quote, you may be tempted to think that the phrase, “... if I be lifted up...” refers to our praise. But that is not the case. Others think that it is speaking about His ascension back to the Father. Instead, He is referring to His crucifixion. On the cross He was lifted up from the earth. It is the cross that draws men unto Him. The preaching of the cross saves souls. We need more preaching about the cross these days!

Yet there is also a truth that Jesus looked beyond the cross to His resurrection and ascension. The writer of the book of Hebrews refers to Jesus when He wrote, “... who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Writing to the Philippians, Paul wrote, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

Because of the cross, our Lord has been exalted. Jesus glorified the Father through His obedience and sacrifice. Today, we glorify the Father even more because of the work of His Son. The Father glorified His Son and His Son has glorified the Father.

While many in the church wish to receive glory, there aren't many who wish to use such glory to praise the Father. No wonder such glory is rare these days. God doesn't seek to bless us so we can live independent of Him. He seeks to bless us for our good … and for His glory.

I think most Christians want to glorify the Lord, but I have a question for you to ponder. What if God is most glorified through your suffering … would you still want God to be glorified? That was the case for Jesus. God was glorified through the death of His Son. He is also glorified as we pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus.

The Father was glorified on the cross & our sins were paid for by the blood Jesus shed there. Jesus did it all for our good and for the glory of His Father.

Glory to His Name!

What Jesus Is Doing Now

WHAT JESUS IS DOING NOW

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” - Hebrews 9:24

We spend a great deal of time studying about what Jesus did during His earthly ministry two thousand years ago. We are correct in doing this. Four books of the New Testament give us insight into some of the things He did during His brief stay on earth. As Christians, we should learn from His teachings and seek to emulate His actions.

But what is Jesus doing now? According to the Scriptures, He ascended back to His Father and is sitting next to His Father. Our text says that He has entered, “...into heaven itself.”

Furthermore, He appears “... in the presence of God for us.” He is busy, even now.

Hebrews 7:25 says, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Notice two things that Jesus is doing: He is saving and He is interceding. This verses teaches us that He is making intercession for us. In a sense, He is praying for us. Let's focus on this more closely.

Our text explains it this way: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus Christ is a high priest, yet not a priest after the order of Levi. Instead, Jesus is a priest after the manner of Melchizedek. You see, the priesthood of Levi had a beginning and an end. The priesthood of Jesus is eternal.

As a high priest, He makes intercession for His people. If we define prayer as talking with our heavenly Father, then we must say that Jesus is still praying today.

Moses was instructed to build a sanctuary based on a model that God showed him. The priests would enter this tabernacle as part of their ministry. Old Testament worship was centered around this tabernacle. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament, Jesus has not entered into a man-made tabernacle. Instead, He has entered into heaven itself. There, in the most holy place, Jesus serves as a priest, interceding on behalf of us.

The Bible says that Jesus is our advocate. Like an attorney defending his client, Jesus speaks on our behalf. The devil is the accuser of the brethren. He accuses us of many things. Yet we have an advocate who defends us. Jesus Christ is a better advocate than Perry Mason or Ben Matlock.

When we fail, the Lord is there to defend us. When we need help, He speaks on our behalf. In spite of the devil's accusations against us, our Lord defends us. Who could ask for better representation?

Our Lord has never lost an argument and He has never lost a case. Furthermore, His services come at no charge to us. How great it is to have Him speaking on our behalf!

When the disciples were with Jesus in the upper room, our Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32). The Lord specifically prayed for Simon as he faced the challenges that were to come.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne once said, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.”

How do you feel when you learn that someone is praying for you? What if you could hear them praying … and actually hear them mention your name? It is a blessing to have others pray for you. How much greater it is to know that Jesus Himself is interceding on your behalf!

Let me be rather honest. I need His intercession! What about you?

I'm glad Jesus is interceding for me. This also inspires me to pray for others. If we seek to be like our Lord, let us intercede for others when we pray.

When things go wrong, loneliness besets you, fear sets in, or grief overwhelms you, just remember that Jesus is interceding for you.

That's what Jesus is doing right now.

Our Lord's Dying Prayer

OUR LORD'S DYING PRAYER

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” - Luke 23:46

The last words of a passing leader are normally immortalized by a biographer. Whether it be a British monarch, an American president or a wealthy businessman, we like to read the final words spoken by famous leaders. How much more important it is read the final words of Jesus before His death. His final words were actually spoken in prayer.

I don't know of a better way to leave this world than to die praying.

Pastor and author Alistair Begg was once asked to explain the dedication page of his book, PRAY BIG. Begg dedicated the book to the memory of T. S. Mooney, “who remembered me daily at the best place.” Alistair Begg explained that many years before he became friends with Moonie, who was a Scottish minister. Early on in their friendship, Moonie offer to put Alistair Begg's name on his prayer list. When Moonie died, they found him fully dressed and leaning over his Bible --- and the prayer list was on top of the Bible. Mooney had died praying.

Jesus died praying. His final words from the cross were, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Jesus placed everything at the care of His Father. He trusted the Father with His death and His resurrection.

There is much for us to learn here. We are all mortal beings. As humans, we are facing physical death. We don't know when that moment will come. Maybe in a few years, perhaps today. We have a human tendency to hold tight to this world and refuse to let it go. Up till now, this world is all we've know. We have possessions, friends and family still here. To part with them is very difficult. From a human perspective, death seems dark, gloomy and uncertain.

Yet the Bible teaches us that death is just a doorway leading to a new world. As followers of Jesus, we are following His footsteps. Yet His footprints will lead us through the valley of the shadow of death. But His footprints go even further. His footprints lead us home.

If we're honest about it, we like the thought of leaving in the rapture. We like the idea of leaving here in the twinkling of an eye and cheat the undertaker of more business. This may happen. Yet we have no guarantee that Jesus will return in our lifetime. Whether He does or not, we need to be prepared to leave at any moment.

Just as we trusted God for our salvation, we are trusting Him when we face death. Our salvation not only covers the forgiveness of our past, it also insures our future. If we can trust God to save us from our sins, we can trust Him to take us safely home.

God's plan of redemption was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross. The rough wood that He was nailed to became stained with His blood. That cross seems so repulsive to the world, but it is a glorious sight for us.

Jesus died for our sins on that cross. He completed salvation's work on our behalf. I am not saved by my works. I am saved by His work on the cross. I am saved because of His sacrifice. My sins are covered by His blood.

Now, we are called to take up our cross and follow Jesus. The cross was a place of execution. It was a means of death. We are called to die to sin and self and be surrendered to the Lord Jesus. In Galatians 2:20, Paul put it this way: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

The future is not in my hands. It never has been and never will be. In fact, everything would be a mess if it were in my hands. Knowing the heart of God, I can trust Him with my future. I trust His Word to be true. I know He is in control. So I can trust Him with my life … and my death. While the future seems so cloudy and uncertain, I can trust Him with every moment that lies ahead. He is sovereign. He knows what is best for me. I trust Him with the road ahead. My future is in His hands.

Jesus used His remaining strength to utter a prayer. Knowing He was about to die, Jesus prayed, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

We can trust the Father with all we face today. Good or bad. Laughter or tears. Gain or loss. Life or death.

When the final moment comes, may God give us the grace to pray like Jesus, and say, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

Grace Under Fire

GRACE UNDER FIRE

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” - Luke 23:34

It is easier to talk about forgiveness than it is to practice it. It is impossible to determine the number of sermons that have been preached on the subject. Many books have been written about forgiveness. In spite of all this, forgiveness is practiced so little by professing Christians today.

We are humans. As humans we must communicate with each other. We make decisions, sometimes in a split second, that can impact others. As we talk, work and interact with other people, it can be easy to say something that can hurt the feelings of another. Sometimes we can be very insensitive about others. It is possible to offend someone without even realizing it.

I have found that those who are quick to demand an apology are often slow to offer one themselves. Some even enjoy being a “victim.” They seem to enjoy having others indebted to them. It is no wonder that forgiveness remains a major stumbling block for many. Some are demanding an apology they may never receive and others are too proud and stubborn to offer an apology.

All of us will be hurt from time to time. That is just the way relationships are. How do we respond when we are hurt and offended? In our text, Jesus was suffering in the deepest way possible. He was suffering physically. Yet His pain was not due to an accident or disease. Instead, men deliberately harmed Him. Men enjoyed watching Jesus suffer and die. An innocent man was dying because of the aggression of guilty men. In spite of the pain we've suffered in our lives, we've never suffered like Jesus did.

We've been studying the prayer-life of Jesus. Once again, we find Him praying from the cross. In the midst of His suffering, He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” From the cross, Jesus prayed for His persecutors. He could have prayed for their demise, but He didn't. He prayed for their transgressions to be forgiven.

This level of forgiveness should motivate us to forgive. The hurt we've suffered doesn't compare to the pain our Lord endured. As predicted, the disciples had forsaken Jesus. He faced a mockery of a trial. He endured the lashes of a whip. He wore a painful crown of thorns. He was forced to carry His cross to the place of execution. His physical condition had deteriorated to extent that they had Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross. Then there was the awful pain of the nails being driven in His hands and feet. All this was deliberately planned and accomplished by scheming, wicked men.

Yet Jesus prayed for their forgiveness. If Jesus could pray for the forgiveness of His enemies, what is keeping us from forgiving those who've hurt us?

As we think about our Lord's prayer from the cross, we must consider an undeniable fact. We were among those who crucified Him. He went to the cross because of our sins. We offended Him with our transgressions. We rebelled against His authority, trampled on His Name and abused His grace. We did Him wrong. Like King David, we can honestly say, “Against thee, thee only have I sinned.”

Yet love compelled Him to endure such a horrible experience. He willingly suffered and died to save rebels like us. He died for His enemies. He sought to save the very ones who hated Him and treated Him with such contempt.

Because of His sacrifice, we are saved today. He died that we may live. On the cross He secured our forgiveness.

There's not a better feeling that to know you've been forgiven. Since we have been forgiven such a great debt, we should forgive those who do us wrong. Ephesians 4:32 states: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” We are to forgive, “... even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven” us.

He didn't forgive us because we deserved to be forgiven. On the contrary, He forgave us in spite of our unworthiness. God forgave us, “for Christ's sake.” Now we are called on to be agents of grace, forgiving others “for Christ's sake.” The person who offended you may not deserve forgiveness, but you should forgive anyhow --- for Jesus' sake.

Jesus was going through the fire of affliction when He suffered on the cross. In the worst moments of His life, He showed grace under fire.

We should do the same.