The people around him heard these words and probably took them to mean that this man, Jesus of Nazareth, had given up. Many of them probably thought: "It’s finally over. He won’t be a problem for us anymore." But that’s not what Jesus meant.

On the cross, Jesus’ earthly life really did come to an end; it really was "finished." But remember what he told his Father: "I glorfied you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do"(John 17:4). For Jesus, "It is finished" meant, "It is accomplished" or "It is completed."

But just what was "finished?" The old covenant. What did he accomplish? He fulfilled the Law of Moses and ushered in a new covenant. By Jesus’ death, our sins were removed, not just covered over. By his cross he unleashed God’s grace to us, and by his resurrection he wove that grace into our very being (Romans 5:17). He has made us into a new creation, destined now for eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

In this issue we will take a look at the way God is inviting us, in this new covenant, to become a people set apart for him. We will look at how our Father has been at work from the very beginning to make this covenant with us and how much he has promised us through the grace of this covenant. I hope this issue will help you wake up each day and see what a wonderful new agreement—covenant—God has made with us through his Son, Jesus.

Write to Me! I want to take this opportunity to let you know how we at The Word Among Us feel about you, our readers. We receive so many letters and e-mails from you every month, and while I cannot respond to all of them, I do read them. I really enjoy learning about the marvelous things God is doing in you, and I am always thanking him for the blessings he is pouring out on the church.

I also want to let you know that every morning at 11:30, we stop whatever we’re doing in the office and take time out to pray for all of you. We truly believe that prayer not only produces great fruit but it binds us together. In a sense, I feel as if I know you all because I can relate to the stories you have shared with me. It’s as if we are one big, extended family seeking to follow Jesus together and serve him as best we can.

But I still want to get to know you better. If you have a moment, write to me. Tell me about yourself and what the Lord is doing in your life. If you have an exciting testimony that gives glory to Jesus, let me know about it. Who knows? We may even use it in our magazine! May God continue to bless you and your family.

Joe Difato, Publisher | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)