Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Tetelestai


Dear Friends ~

As I was contemplating some kind of nourishing food for thought to share with you this sacred week, this little story arrived in my inbox from my brother-in-law.  I am pleased to pass along these beautiful nuggets of truth to you, my dear extended online family ...

Tetelestai

It's an interesting Greek word.

Several years ago, there was an archaeological dig in an ancient bakery.  Within the bakery they found several clay tablets.  As they examined the tablets they realized that each one was for a customer, and on each one was the amount the customer owed the baker.  When the account was paid off, the baker would write on the bottom, Tetelestai = paid in full.

When Jesus hung on the cross on Good Friday, His last words were, 'It is finished' {John 19:30.}

The Greek word He used?

Tetelestai

The exact same word the baker used to say that a customer's debt was finished, had been paid in full.  The giving of His life on the cross through the blood He shed testifies even today that the debt we owe for our sins has been paid in full.

Yes, paid in full.  

Linda


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20 comments:

  1. A great story to contemplate as we approach Easter Sunday! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Good Easter thought Linda. i recognize Panera Bread in your picture. :)

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    1. Ah, I do love Panera. The menu is a bit confusing but anything from their ovens is scrumptious ...

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  3. I love the picture and the story explains Easter beautifully. Thanks for sharing it.

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  4. He didn't want to take the pain
    and I can sure see why
    for full awareness would remain
    through a dreadful way to die.
    He asked if He might decline
    the cup 'twas handed Him,
    and when Dad said, "Son back in line!"
    the day turned pretty grim.
    He sweated blood, His mates asleep,
    all through that lonely night.
    They were maybe better herding sheep
    than as brothers in this fight.
    'Twas for our sins that He was tortured;
    how can we now pay it forward?

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    1. An apt reply for this Holy Week, Andrew. Interesting that Jesus often went off by Himself to commune with His Father.

      But in this agonizing night, in His greatest need ever for human support and comfort, He asks His dearest friends to accompany Him.

      And they just . can't . stay . awake ...

      Makes me wonder how good a friend I would have been ... then and now.

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  5. Marvelous story, Linda. Thanks so much for sharing with us at this most appropriate time in the church year.
    Blessings!

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    1. Easter blessings to you and your beautiful family, Martha!

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  6. Hi Linda,

    It’s been a while since I’ve emailed you, but wanted you to know I read your newsletter/emails faithfully! I love them ...
     
    The reason for this email…I LOVE the Greek word “tetelestai.” If I were to ever get a tattoo (which I won’t, but IF I were), THAT’S what I would have tattooed on the inside of my left wrist. Nothing fancy, nothing much. Just that one word “tetelestai,” for exactly the reasons you wrote today.

    IT. IS. FINISHED.

    Blessings to you this Holy Season ...

    PS: I have Emily Freeman’s book The Next Right Thing on my desk. Haven’t started it yet, but am excited to get going on it!

    * via email

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    1. How very delightful to hear from you again! It does my heart good hearing that you're out there, following along, and loving what's happening on the blog.

      I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me that you'd take the time to write.

      Anyway ... great tattoo idea! And I'd love for you to jump right in and join us for the Book Club discussions.

      I have a feeling that your words would add to our conversation.

      Bless you ...

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  7. I love words - and I love this story! Tetelestai! Shalom, Linda!
    ~ Maryleigh

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    1. We keep learning more and more of God's lavish love for us ...

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  8. All of life seems to reflect his love when that's what we're looking for. Thanks for sharing that wonderful story.

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    1. Focused attention and expectancy ... watching and waiting for Christ's movement in our lives.

      For He is risen indeed.

      Resurrection blessings to you and your community, Debby!

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  9. PAID IN FULL....Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Happy Resurrection Day to you and your family.

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    1. I've never noticed that verse before, Carol ...

      Praise God we've been welcomed, not banished.

      I hope your Easter soars and sings.

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  10. I love these little word nuggets! Thanks for sharing this treasure, Linda. Knowing "it is finished" makes all the difference in my hope! Have a blessed Easter.

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    1. Have a wonderful resurrection celebration with your beautiful family, Lisa ...

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