Resurrection can be described literally as the physical raising of the dead back to life or figuratively, spiritually raising one back to life. As you read through your Bible, you can see that Jesus’s resurrection had been prophetized and spoken about long before Jesus ever walked the earth.
The mention of him not only physically being resurrected was spoken about, but also the resurrection of us spiritually as well. The event of Jesus’s physical resurrection resulted in our spiritual resurrection.
By God’s grace and mercy, we were given this priceless gift of Jesus’s resurrection. This Easter we should focus on just how much love God must have for us to have laid down His only son’s life in order to restore hope and to one day be able to walk along aside us once again.
As we approach Easter, I want to direct our focus on how great our God is by steering away from the traditions we as Americans have become accustomed to; the Easter Bunny, egg painting, and the hiding of baskets filled with chocolates. And really focus on the true reason we celebrate Easter; The Power and Strength of the Resurrection.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3
The Power and Strength of the Resurrection
God Shows Us Mercy
God shows us kindness and compassion that we should be beyond grateful for because simply we don’t deserve it.
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior ” Titus 3: 4-6
Just like Joseph’s brothers didn’t deserve kindness after they had sold him off due to jealousy, God was merciful, meaning He showed forgiveness when punishment was owed. God could have appropriately punished Joseph’s brother’s, but did not.
We are called to be like God and because of this, we should also treat others with compassion, kindness, and love even when another person doesn’t deserve it. When one of our family members doesn’t treat us kindly, we should not turn around and treat them poorly back. We should simply forgive and be merciful.
God’s mercy has been felt by many, but the greatest act of mercy well ever experience was through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s death and resurrection was something we did not ever deserve, nor did Jesus deserve. But through this, we have been saved and given the Holy Spirit to be made new.
We Are Made New
“I have told you this while I’m still with you. However, the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything. He will remind you of everything that I have ever told you.” John 14:25-26
Jesus told his disciples about the Holy Spirit, he told them that once he left, he wouldn’t leave them alone. His disciples didn’t fully understand what he meant, but they loved Jesus and trusted him anyway.
A result, Jesus’s death, and resurrection brought about a way we could be made new just as Jesus promised. This renewal we experience is made possible through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Every believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit the moment they receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The Holy Spirit is God and is here to guide us and comfort us. If you would like to read more about the Holy Spirit, check out Nick’s article How to Receive The Holy Spirit.
When you put your trust in Jesus just like his disciple did, you are stepping into a whole new YOU! Being able to put your worries down at the feet of Jesus changes you from the inside. Once you realize the power of the cross and what God has done for you, you can’t help but be changed. This change also requires growth.
As you grow as a Christian, you will seek the Spirit to guide you and will want to obey God’s word. You will also feel a sense of hope you have not experienced before.
He Gives Us Living Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ” Romans 15:13
The act of Jesus’s death replaced that of the lamb. A lamb was traditionally slain to be sacrificed in order to cover our sins. The covering of our sins today is only possible through the blood of Christ. God’s sacrificial offering of his son Jesus not only covers our sins but covers them so we may have a living hope for the future.
When I speak of the future and where we should put our hope, it is in the eternal home of God. Our hope as Christians is that one day we will be able to live in the presence of the Lord.
The act of Jesus’s death and resurrection showed nothing but love God has had for us from the beginning of creation. Jesus said, ” The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.” John 15:13. He did just that!
Following the fall of man, this would of never of been possible. But because of God’s mercy, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and living hope He has given us through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we will one day reunite in Heaven and be among His glory for eternity!
Comments 1
Beautiful and inspiring. Thank you. God bless you.