The Three “It is”

1.         Trials of life

We can sometimes be so overwhelmed by events in our lives that we feel so defeated.  The incessant waves of disappointment, debt, disease and difficulties with people can cause depression and despair.  When we find ourselves in such deep trials of life, we can remember the three “It is”.

2.         Power of God’s word in our trials

When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He responded to the three temptations by declaring “It is” written (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).  There is power in God’s word and Jesus used it to counter the tricks of the devil.  In all 3 temptations, Satan was attacking Jesus in three common fronts – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).  But Jesus was able to defeat each attack by applying God’s word to the temptation.

For instance, the devil tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread.  He was asking Jesus to use His own strength to satisfy His bodily hunger.  This was a temptation involving the lust of the flesh.  However, Jesus applied God’s word to His situation when He said that “It is written,” Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  From Jesus’ example, we are reminded that we live according to the truths taught to us by God’s word.  There is power available in God’s word to help us deal with temptation involving our bodies.   Instead of fixing our eyes on the tempting desires, we turn to fix our eyes on the truth of God’s word.

3.         Presence of Jesus

In another incident recorded in Matthew 14:22-32, Jesus was walking on water even as His disciples were struggling in their boat tossed about by the storm.  When they thought He was a ghost, He assured them and said, “It is I”, don’t be afraid” (verse 27).  Similarly, when we are faced with trying circumstances, we need to remember that Jesus is with us all the time.  His presence with us enables us to be over comers.  His peace within us stills our hearts even as the storm rages on the outside.

4.         Payment by Jesus

When Jesus hung on the cross, He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  Those three words assure us that Jesus had paid the debt for our sins.  Because He died for us on the cross, God remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12).  We don’t have to carry with us our past guilt.  It is finished.  Jesus has removed all our sins, past, present and future.  He has paid the price for all our wrongs.  We need to believe Him and let Him guide us forward.

5.         Power, Presence & Payment

The three “It is” reminds us that when we face any trial, we have the power of His word (It is written) to guide us in what we should do.  We have His presence (It is I) which assures us that all will be well within even if it’s stormy outside.  Finally, we have received forgiveness of our sins because Jesus paid a debt He did not owe (It is finished) so that we can be freed of a debt we cannot pay.