Issue 756 – Finished at the Cross – May 26, 2022
This morning we will continue in our series of thoughts on “the cross.”
Subsequent to the Middle Ages, the original meaning behind the circle on the “Celtic cross” was lost in obscurity. Some attribute the ring to an effort to help reach pagan kings and their worship of the sun gods.
For others, the circle is symbolic of eternity, emphasizing God’s grace and mercy as demonstrated through Jesus’ painful sacrifice to atone for our sins.
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:13-15
The Bible is very clear that we are brought from death into life as believers, our sins are forgiven, and the enemy is defeated. Our Lord triumphed over them at the cross.
What does it mean to triumph? To “triumph” is more than just winning; it means to be exalted or gain glory through victory. God was glorified when the Son died on the cross for us. That event causes us to turn to the Lord and seek His help. It causes us to give Him the praise and glory that are due to Him.
God’s victory over Satan was not a battle between equals. Satan has always been a created being and never a match for Jesus. This battle was not a squeak through in overtime victory. The cross was a triumph. Satan’s ultimate plan for evil was squashed when God used it to defeat Him.
It was not a temporary victory. The battle has been decided for all times. The first three gospels refer to Jesus uttering a loud cry immediately before he died, but they don’t tell us what that cry was. But the Gospel of John does. John states that Jesus’ very last word before he died on that cross was “tetelestai.”
“Tetelestai” doesn’t translate simply; we have to make a phrase out of it – “It is finished.” But still, some of its power is lost in the translation. In Greek, it implies that something has come to an end, it has been completed, perfected, accomplished in the full and that something has consequences that will endure on and on. This word was written on a paid debt or the papers when someone got out of prison, meaning, “Paid in full.”
God’s promise to Adam and Eve about Serpent being defeated was partly fulfilled at the cross. The prophecies about a suffering Messiah from the Old Testament were fulfilled in detail. God showed that He always keeps His Word.
It was finished at the Cross. It was paid in full at the cross for God’s glory.
What a triumph indeed.
Until next time, may you ponder the fact that a tragedy of the magnitude of the cross would actually be a triumph in the hands of our loving God.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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