Recently I read about Aron Ralston, a hiker who was trapped alone at the
bottom of a remote canyon. With scant hope of being found and his strength
ebbing away, he had to take drastic measures to save his life. During a moment
of excruciating pain, he shouted in agony and in victory, because he had freed
himself and now had a chance to escape and live.
Those who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus saw His hours of agony and
heard Him cry out in a loud voice, “It is finished!” as He gave up His spirit
(John 19:30). His final words from the cross were not a cry of painful defeat
but a shout of triumph, because He had accomplished all that the Father sent
Him to do.
When Jesus died, He shared in what all of us must experience. But far
beyond that, He did what none of us can do. He paid the price for our sins that
we might be forgiven and have eternal life through faith in Him.
“It is finished!” was the Lord’s shout of victory because now, through
Him, we can escape the power of sin; we can live and be free.
Jesus died that we might live. (RBC)
