Resurrection Power

Yesterday, Easter was celebrated around the world.  While this holiday has its roots in a religious event that occurred in the first century, the holiday for many has morphed into nothing more than a time to get new clothes, hunt for Easter eggs and candy, and get together with family for Easter brunch.  None of these things is wrong in itself; but, as a Christian, the fact that my Savior, Jesus Christ, died on a cross for my sins on Good Friday and then conquered death on Sunday morning by rising from the dead is what makes Easter an important holiday.

Power is something we hear a lot about in our world.  We are drawn to people who are in power, and we are interested in being or feeling empowered to accomplish our goals and dreams.  But Jesus demonstrated a different type of power than we are accustomed to seeing today.  It was quiet, unobtrusive, and self-sacrificing – which wasn’t what most of the first century people were expecting power to look like either. 

When Jesus rose from the dead, he showed us all that his type of power was not weakness . . . he was just waiting for the proper time to exhibit resurrection power.  Being fully human and fully divine (which we can’t fully understand!), Jesus had the ability to use his divine power in a visible and demonstrative way throughout his life; he just chose not to in order to complete his mission as a human.  He saved his power for the resurrection, which allowed all of us the ability and privilege of sharing relationship and eternity with him.

But here’s even better news: the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to each one of us as we seek to walk in fellowship with him during our earthly lives!  Here’s a couple of Scriptures to chew on:

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.  This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:19-20)

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)

How exciting is that?!  Resurrection power wasn’t just about Jesus’ resurrection – it was also about how we live today.  According to these verses, we don’t have to allow Satan to defeat us because we have resurrection power and everything we need for godly living.  God has already provided for us.  The secret?  Knowing God.  It’s our knowledge of him that allows us to receive everything he has provided.  The more we know him – truly know who he is and seek to walk closely with him – the more we will experience resurrection power every day and not just on Easter.  Are you ready to claim your resurrection power?