By Toni Ford
I would imagine that millions of people will gather this Sunday, April 17, to attend an Easter service, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While all that is good and I am grateful so many do attend a service on this special day, it is also sad that once the following Monday or Tuesday, comes the focus of Easter is easily forgotten and we go back to our daily lives.
I had dinner recently with a pastor and his wife who pastor a church in St. Petersburg, Florida. I loved their comment when talking about the week leading up to Easter Sunday and then the weeks after. Pastor Esteban said, “We want the Lord to be celebrated every day, not just that one day!”
That is exactly how God designed us to live. The resurrection is more than just a historical event. The resurrection is for every day! The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ changes everything!
Scripture tells us exactly how we are changed because of the Resurrection. If Scripture is true, which it is, then just imagine how our days would be different if we lived according to these truths! The resurrection changes who you are.
Ephesians 2:6. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” When God raised Christ up, that meant he raised us up as well, meaning once we give our lives to Christ, we are promised eternal life with Him. Death has no hold on us. Not only did God raise us up but He has also given us a special seat next to Him, uniting us with Him.
John 17:9. “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you.” As a child of God, we belong to Him. When the things of this world fail us, when our own family fails us, we still have a place of belonging with our Heavenly Father, and no one or nothing can ever take that away.
Isaiah 61:10. “For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” Because of His resurrection, not only has He given me the gift of salvation, but He also clothes me with righteousness. I am now identified with new clothing!
2 Timothy 4:18. “Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.” The Messiah we serve is alive never sleeps or slumbers. Therefore, Jesus is actively going before us to protect and shield us from evil.
Romans 8:11. “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living inside me and you! The resurrection is a source of power for every circumstance we face, but are we living from a place of His incredible power?
What would happen if we started each day reminding ourselves that everything in Christ’s death and resurrection is at our disposal? How would our perspective change? The power of the resurrection is God’s gift to each of you. May we daily lean into all He has given to each of us.
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to e-mail me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!