Read Matt. 28:1-15, John 11:1-53, Philippians 3:10, I Cor. 15.
How do we measure power? We have many ways. Horsepower, candle power, watts and kilo watts, foot-pounds, mega tons, etc. In my younger days it was a competitive test of manhood to try to lift more than the next guy in the weight room. Whoever could bench press the most was bound to be the envy of his school mates. But on the spiritual level how do we measure power? Paul in his letter to the Philippians measured power by the resurrection. "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." Phil. 3:10. Perhaps if we look at a few of the obstacles that our Lord overcame or removed in accomplishing the resurrection, we may have a deeper appreciation for His power that will be available for our resurrection and is available to us at this very moment.
1. HE OVERCAME THE FINALITY OF DEATH
Death is final inasmuch as we cannot do anything to stop it or reverse it. Only the power of God can affect it. But for us one day (see I Cor. 15:51-57) we through the same power will be raised. From a human perspective life is temporary and death is permanent. From God's perspective life is permanent and death is temporary. Thank Him!
2. HE OVERCAME THE CORRUPTION OF THE BODY
Remember the warning of Martha in John 11:39 when Jesus asked that the stone be removed from the grave of Lazarus. Jesus' body had been in the grave for almost the same amount of time. Only the power of God can overcome the decay processes that affect all the natural world. The same God who formed the first man out of dust and the first woman out of his side can resurrect the decaying body of one who is dead. Remember we who were dead in trespasses and sin have been made alive together with Him (Eph. 2:1-5) we are alive unto Him by His power as measured by the resurrection. Praise Him!
3. HE OVERCAME THE POWERS OF SATAN
Although it is not clearly seen, we can surmise that a spiritual battle was waged to keep Jesus in the Tomb. It is likely that the guarding of the tomb, and the sealing of the tomb were not chance decisions by the Jewish and Roman authorities, they may be outward signs of a far greater contest. Whatever the case, one thing is certain, our God won! Remember, in our struggles with principalities, and powers, our God outranks everyone. Trust Him!
4. HE OVERCAME THE STONE, THE SEAL AND THE SOLDIERS
It is almost comical to look at the feeble attempts of man in comparison to the work of the Almighty. Matt. 28:2 tells us that God sent an angel at the appointed time. This angel had no fear in breaking the seal of imperial Rome and had no difficulty in removing the stone. The battle-hardened soldiers "for fear of Him did shake and became as dead men." (verse 4) If something is in the will of God there is nothing that can stand in His way. Is there any obstacle that is standing in the way of your service? Obey Him!
6. HE OVERCAME THE LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN EXISTENCE
It is important to note that His resurrection was different than all others in the Bible, for Lazarus and the others all died again. Jesus was raised to never perish. He was raised to an exalted, glorified position like none other. However, I Cor. 15 teaches us that we also will be glorified when we are raised (for those who have died before the return of Christ) or are changed (those who are alive at His return). What joy, to know that we will be like Him. No wonder Paul desired to know Him, For His is our Creator, our Redeemer, our Life and our destiny. We should heed the words of the Apostle, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58) Serve Him!
What is the reading on the power gauge in your life? His power is ever available if we will just accept it by faith. Be reminded of His power as we marvel at the resurrection this day and trust in it when you face the trials and challenges of life tomorrow.
Jesse Waggoner
Pastor of Adult Ministries
©2001 Bible Center Church
