"Done"

“Done”

During my time pastoring in New Hampshire I emailed the treasurer of our Benevolence Fund asking him to send a gift to one of our church families who had an emergency need. The next day I received a one-word reply: “Done”. (Did I mention he didn’t like to waste anything, including words?) I later used this as the title for a Resurrection Day message based on what was likely Jesus’ final saying on the cross: “It is finished.” (John 19:30). In Greek it’s one word which literally translates “It has been completed” (in another word, “Done!”).

In Exodus 25-40 God gave Moses precise instructions for building the tabernacle, a tent-like structure which symbolized His presence among the Israelites and was the nation’s worship center. He also designated two divinely-prepared men, Bezalel and Oholiab, to oversee its construction (Exodus 35:30-36:1). Various articles were included so the priests could carry out their work, but one kind of furnishing was conspicuously absent: seating. Why? Because the priests’ work was never completed—sacrifices were to be offered continuously to atone for the sins of the people (“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.”—Hebrews 10:11, emphasis added). After centuries of animal offerings Jesus by giving His life and blood brought them to an end (“But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”—Hebrews 10:12, emphasis added). So when Jesus said, “Done.” He meant God’s justice had been satisfied and His resurrection confirmed this fact (“[God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”—1 Peter 1:3).

Later this month the people of God around the world will remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, the heart of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). As we do so, let’s be thankful that it’s “Done!” And because it is we can look forward to being with Him forever.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan