That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead…(Eph 1:20)
Can a Dead Man Live?
On Easter Sunday we celebrated the fact that a good man who was brutally murdered, three days later miraculously rose from the grave. The story is incredible – can a dead man live? If so, by what power?
At the same time, we also ask the question, “What does that mean to us mere mortals who anticipate death?”
Let’s reflect for a while on the implications of Christ’s resurrection…
The Power of the Resurrection
Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ” portrays the brutality of Jesus’ torture and death. It’s not surprising He died before the two criminals beside Him. Experienced butchers made sure Jesus was dead and made sure he would “stay dead” by sealing the tomb and posting a guard. Imagine the power needed to raise Him from the dead! Not like the destructive power of a nuclear explosion – more like the harnessed power of nuclear power station.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church is I believe, also a prayer for us…
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know… his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms… (Eph 1:18-23 NIV)
This Power Is For Us
Did you notice that Paul believed that this power was available to those who believe? He speaks of,
“..his incomparably great power for us who believe. (v 19)”
Natural men or unbelievers don’t know this power. Sadly, most Christians don’t know this power. Paul prayed that the eyes of the Ephesians hearts would be enlightened in order to know this power. I believe he prayed that because we first need “revelation power” in order to comprehend “resurrection power”.
Unfortunately, many claiming to be spiritually enlightened don’t know this power.
Paul bemoans the fact that in the last days there will be many “…having a form of godliness but denying its power.” We are warned, “Have nothing to do with them.” (2 Tim 3:5 NIV)
To Know This Power Is Important
The most common word for God in Hebrew is “El” which means literally “mighty one”. May I ask, “Do you know God by His most common name?” Do you know Him as the Mighty One?
The Apostle Paul believed that a knowledge of God’s power is the proper foundation for faith. He was able to say to the Corinthian Church, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Cor 2:4-5 NIV)
Unfortunately, so much modern preaching relies heavily on the impact of wise and persuasive words to turn the minds of men and very little on the demonstration of God’s power.
What is the Purpose of the Power?
The power must first of all work in us.
We were born under the power of sin and under the power of satan. When a person believes the Gospel life-giving spiritual power is released in them. It’s absolutely amazing, the very life of God begins to work in them! “...through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Rom 8:1-2 NIV)
I believe that those receiving salvation go through three stages something like a shuttle launch from Cape Canaveral.
First they have a “spiritual awakening”. Their spiritual eyes are opened. Then they are made alive with Christ. They experience what one could call new birth or a “spiritual resurrection” after which they go through a “spiritual ascension” and are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. (This speaks of their position of spiritual authority in Christ.)
Where do I get all this? In the Scripture…
...God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” (Eph 2:1-6 NIV)
Please note that our physical resurrection and ascension is yet to come. Jesus said,
“...a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:28-29 NIV)
The power must work through us to touch others.
We are blessed in order to be a blessing. We are anointed with the power of God to continue the ministry of Jesus. In one of His resurrection appearances Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22 NIV)
Before His ascension into heaven Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem to be clothed with power from on high. Then He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8 NIV).
We are not supposed to run around butt naked relying on our own power. We must first be clothed with resurrection power – with the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we must go and touch this world with God's love.
I Pray…
That you may know His incomparably great power for us who believe.
That His power will do its work in you.
That His power will work through you.
That you might bring glory to the risen Son!
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