LET’S LIVE IN RESURRECTION POWER

I was praying with some friends recently, and the Holy Spirit encouraged me to a more profound way of thinking when it comes to the cross. The Holy Spirit revealed that when I think about injustice in the world, I act as if it is still Good Friday. God asked me to start living life like it’s Easter Sunday. To remember why Jesus’ resurrection from the dead brings power now and for eternity. 

As Easter is this weekend, I thought this would be relevant to share.

Stuck on Good Friday

If I put myself into the story, I am with the women watching from a distance as Jesus dies on the cross (Matthew 27:55-56). I would be seeing the darkness come over the land, recognising the power and despair of this moment as the earth shook and rocks split (Matthew 27:50-52).

The wages of sin are death. Sins like systemic injustice, pride or greed (to name a few) are ultimately disobedience and rejection of God. The price for this was death. We all deserved that death as none of us can claim to live life perfectly, but instead, it was perfect, innocent Jesus who paid the price. 

I know I can’t fully understand what Jesus suffered on the cross, but I must confess I sometimes say to God, ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken us?‘. By focusing on the pain in the world, I see God as distant. We only need to look at how many wars are currently occurring to know we need change, and we need it now.

As Christians, it’s a common question: how can God be good if there is so much suffering? How can God be loving if Jesus had to die on the cross? Surely God could change things in a moment if he was truly God?

There is hope

Exactly. Surely God can change things in a moment. I believe He has already changed things. He’s given us a glimpse into what eternity looks like, and we all have a choice to be there or not.

In the same passage in Matthew 27, we miss out on other key details by only focusing on the darkness. We see there is hope. As Jesus died, the temple curtain (separating us ‘the unclean’ from the holiness, perfection of God) tore in two (v.51). We can now have intimacy with God – talking to God like a friend, father and saviour – without trying to be good enough to be in His presence. Tombs broke open, and holy people who had died were raised to life (v.52). This was the start of the power of Jesus’ resurrection. 

In a time of great darkness, there was awe and glory. Even the centurion and guards exclaimed, ‘surely he was the Son of God!’ (v.54). Even more glory came, as on the third day, Jesus rose again. As Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb, there was a violent earthquake, and an angel came down from heaven and said: 

‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’ 

(Matthew 28:1-10). 

The Resurrection Life

They then meet Jesus (v.9) and worship him, totally amazed! Although Jesus died, He rose again. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, Paul summarises the power of Jesus’ resurrection from the cross and what it means for us until eternity:

‘But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.’

The power of Jesus’ resurrection means that the power of sin is defeated. Death is defeated. A new kingdom is coming where there will be no more pain, crying or mourning as the old has passed away (Revelation 21:4). True justice will be established in this kingdom as the foundation of Jesus’ throne is righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14). 

What will eternity be like?

This isn’t just a nice story that Christians use to give themselves a good ending. Jesus’ resurrection impacts the world. Jesus defeated the power of sin and darkness, which affects the world! The Bible mentions in Revelation 21:22-27 that in eternity, there needs to be no light from a lamp or the sun, as the Lord God provides the light. All nations will be part of this new kingdom as ‘the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it’ (v. 24). 

We are not supposed to live this life blinded by darkness and injustice. God offers a new way, one of light. Jesus comes to provide us with life and life to the full (John 10:10). Jesus’ resurrection defeated the power of sin. This means that in eternity, we are alive.  

We all have a choice to make, though, is Jesus Lord over your life?

Will you live life from a place of resurrection?

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Choose Jesus

If you do not know Jesus but would like to after reading this article, please say this prayer in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, help me to live for you the rest of this life.

In the name of Jesus, I pray.

Amen

If you just prayed this prayer, please send us an email at weare@tearfund.org or a DM on Instagram @wearetearfund and we’d love to chat with you!

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