After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
John 19:28-30
In the hours leading up to the Normandy Invasion during World War II, General Dwight Eisenhower prepared a message for tens of thousands who would put their lives on the line in defense of freedom. He wrote:
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
As we know from history, the attack was successful and less than a year later the war would end.
Unlike the conflict between nations, the outcome of the conflict between God and the devil has never been in doubt. On the cross Jesus delivered the declaration of victory, not just in a single moment of battle, but in all the battles yet to come. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He was declaring full victory once and for all. That effects of that victory continue to last—today and into eternity.
