TOWARD the middle of the eighth century, in his quiet cell in the monastery of Jarrow-on-the-Tyne, an aged monk lay dying. Patiently he had labored through many a weary month on a translation of the Holy Scriptures into the English tongue. His work was yet unfinished, and around him, on a certain day, may have been seen his pupils gathered, beseeching their master, whom they dearly loved, to rest. It was hard work for the dear old saint, but he would not give up his task until the precious portion which he was translating was finished.
As his sufferings increased, he cried out to his scribe, “Go on quickly, I know not how long I shall hold out, or how soon my Master will call me hence.”
With all speed the scribe wrote on, and bit by bit the work progressed.
“There remains but one chapter, master,” said the anxious scribe, “but it seems very hard for you to speak.”
“Nay, it is easy,” replied the dying monk. “Take up thy pen and write quickly.”
Amid tears the young scribe wrote on, until at length the last sentence was written.
“IT IS FINISHED, MASTER!”
cried the youth, dropping his pen as the task was ended.
“Aye, ‘it is finished!’” echoed the dying saint. “Lift me up to that window of my cell where I have so often prayed to God. ‘Now glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost!’” he exclaimed; and with these words upon his lips, he departed to be with Him he had loved and served so well.
From amid the gloom of Calvary another such cry has been heard. Not that of a departing saint, whose life-work was ended, but the cry of the dying Saviour, the Son of God.
“IT IS FINISHED!”
was the loud cry that broke the stillness of that solemn scene. His work was done; sin’s dark load had been laid upon Him when hanging on that shameful tree; and only one thing remained, and that was to bow His blessed head in death. “He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost” (John 19:3030When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)).
On high that loud cry has been heard, and God in heaven has given answer to it in raising that worthy Saviour from the dead, and seating Him at His own right hand in glory, and from thence the Holy Spirit has been sent to earth to bear witness to all who believe that, on the ground of that finished work, God can now righteously forgive all their sins, and REMEMBER THEM NO MORE (Heb. 10:1717And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17)).
Reader, has that cry which echoed around Calvary’s hill yet reached your heart? Worse than useless is it for you to seek salvation in doings of your own. “It is finished!” “IT IS FINISHED!” “IT IS FINISHED!” tells that all is done.
Rest upon that finished work, and salvation complete and everlasting is yours. Refuse it, and “It is finished!” shall never break from your lips, as you suffer for your sins in a never-ending hell.
E. E. N.