Two statements of Jesus stand out like tremendous mountain peaks, and we are blessed to live in the valley between them. One of the statements was from the Cross and concerns salvation; the other is from the throne and concerns culmination – the end of this age and beginning of eternity. Jesus says in John 19:30, “It is finished.” And in Revelation 21:6-7 our Savior says, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty, I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage” The first of these statements concerns Christ’s finished work while the second deals with our Lord’s unfinished work.
What a joy it is to consider Christ finished work of salvation! Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God (John 14:1-9). He gives those who come to Him victory (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 2:14). We are indeed “more than conquerors” through Him (Romans 8:37). And by His sacrificial death we can know deliverance and rescue from sin and be made right with God (2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Peter 3:18). Jesus left no unfinished business or loose ends in making salvation possible.
It also is a joy to think about Christ’s unfinished work. We can so focus on the beauty and power of the Lord’s finished work that we may fail to appreciate as much as we ought His unfinished work. However, those of us living in the valley need to appreciate BOTH mountain peaks! What is Jesus presently doing? What is the crucified, risen, ascended and glorified Son of God doing now?
- Jesus Is Reigning In Power. Passages of Scripture like Acts 2:30-36, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Hebrews 1:1-3 and 8:1-2 powerfully convey this. This fact accentuates Christ’s Sovereignty and Authority. He is the King and true Commander-in-Chief.
- Jesus Is Interceding On Behalf of Christians. This is indicated in Romans 8:34 and in Hebrews 7:25, where it is said that He “ever lives to make intercession for us.” He is able to “help” (Hebrews 2:17-18) and to “sympathize” (Hebrews 4:15) because He walked among us. This truth emphasizes Christ’s Mercy and Grace.
- Jesus Is Blessing the World Through His Providential Care. This is true in a general sense of all (Matthew 5:44-48; Acts 14:17) and in a special sense of Christians (Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:33). This concept stresses Christ’s Goodness and Kindness.
- Jesus Is Adding To and Building Up His Church. This is repeatedly taught in God’s word (see Acts 2:47, 9:31 and Ephesians 5:22-33). Jesus the Groom desires the best for His bride. And oh, how the bride should respond to the Groom! This especially has to do with Christ’s Will and Ability.
- Jesus Is Helping Christians In Times Of Trial and Temptation. This is indicated in verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 and James 1:2-12. This fact focuses on Christ’s Knowledge and Strength. He knows what we are going through and gives strength and comfort to those who love Him.
- Jesus Is Walking Among The Churches. He walks among those congregations of people He has purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7). This is seen in Scriptures like Revelation 1:13 and Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Jesus is no absentee Landlord! He is not aloof and distant. He knows the strengths and the weaknesses of His people. He desires congregations to be healthy and pure. This truth respectfully embraces Christ’s Presence and Holiness.
- Jesus Is Preparing Us An Eternal Home. This can be observed in places like John 14:1-3, 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This thought stresses Christ’s Amazing Love.
Aren’t you thankful for what Jesus has done and for what He’s doing? It so helps to see BOTH mountain peaks while we’re here in the valley!
Mike Vestal
