Reflection
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!
Christians confess that Christ is risen, not only in the hearts of the faithful, and not merely as some nice religious image, but truly and physically. On Easter morning the tomb of Jesus was empty. The power of death was broken, both for him and for us, by his resurrection.
We can only begin to understand the divine power that raised Jesus from the dead. The more we think of it, the more we are astounded.
Ephesians adds to our astonishment. The “mighty power that raised Christ from the dead” is in fact “God’s power for us who believe him” (vv. 19-20). The same power that shattered the prison of death sets us free from all that binds us. The very Spirit of God lives in us to empower us for the ministry of the kingdom of God. Resurrection power is for us, in us, and at work through us.
Thus we live as Easter Christians, not simply with gratitude for our salvation, and not merely with hope for the future. We live in the power as God’s ministers, filled with his power, extending his kingdom into every facet of our lives. We are Easter people at home and at church, at work and at play.
Christ is rise! He is risen, indeed!
Prayer
Gracious God, how we praise you for your power made known in the resurrection. Death could not defeat you. Rather, the death of Jesus set the stage for an extraordinary display of divine power. Christ is risen! You have won the battle. Alleluia!
Yet the power of the resurrection is not merely something we celebrate joyfully, but also something we can experience daily. Your power is for us, helping us, guiding us, setting us free. Your power is in us, healing us, renewing us, and gifting us for serving you in the church and the world.
Even as we celebrate the power of your resurrection today, may we live by that power today, and each day of our lives. To you be all the glory. Alleluia! Amen.