What Is the Definition of Complete?

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. (Hebrews 8:1)

Today’s big question: what is the definition of complete?

If you have ever had a hard day of working in your yard, you know what it is like to sit down, having completed the job. Perhaps you cut back tree branches, mowed grass, weeded gardens, and planted new plants. Having achieved all your plans, you can sit down at the end of the day, satisfied in the completed work. Yes, it’s a great feeling. Then, it all grows back again, requiring a new work day in the yard.

Today’s verse tells us that Jesus—having satisfied all the requirements of the law and sacrifice and having taken on Himself the full wrath of God on sin—rose from the grave, ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

In Christ’s high priestly prayer in John 17, He entreats the Father to restore His former glory to Him in the completion of this incredible work. Jesus is now seated in full glory, having conquered sin and death and satisfied the wrath of God. He is exalted in heaven at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This is the picture of completion.

During this devotional series, we have been considering the fulfillment of Jesus compared to the never ending work of the Jewish priests. The priests of Israel could never sit inside the Holy of Holies. Their work was never complete, and it only pointed to the work of Christ that was to come.

The picture of a completed work is Jesus sitting on a throne, exalted in all majesty and fully shining in abundantly restored glory. This does not mean Jesus lacked glory while on earth, but in taking on human flesh, He veiled His glory. Unless He had done so, no one could have looked at Him and lived. The very fact that Jesus is seated on a throne and exalted in the highest place is the greatest picture we can know in considering this word: complete.

Today’s big idea: an exalted Christ, reigning and seated on His throne, is the epitome of completion.

What to pray: thank God that His completed work guarantees our assurance of salvation.