Dear Ones:
In our last devotion, we spoke of the place of the cross in the life of the believer. And the point was that, in understanding the significance and meaning of that cross, it is to be “taken up,” or rather, laid hold of, if we are to know the full benefit of it. By Christ’s death on that cross, we died, so that we might be free to live unto God.
Today, let’s trust the Lord to open our eyes to see the immense “power of the resurrection” on the other side of the cross. Paul writes, “…For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” (Rom. 6:5) On the one hand we died in Christ, and on the other we have been raised to walk in newness of life, and again, as Paul writes, (knowing) “…the power of the resurrection.” (Phil. 3:10) Now, this power is not just a latent energy which will be available when the dead in Christ shall rise. This is a “very present help” power which is ours in the resurrected, and victorious Christ. This is why Paul prays for the Ephesian church, asking God to give to them the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Christ), that they eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may KNOW…what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, WHEN HE RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD.” (Eph. 1:17-19) He prays first that the believers will have a vision of the power of Christ, and in chapter 3, he prays that they might be strengthened with might by His Spirit of power. (Eph. 3:16) With this knowledge of the Lord and His ways, what sort of men and women should we be?
In speaking of the power of the resurrection, why would we conclude by mentioning the
“calm sea?” It is because of the picture of power in beholding the sea. There is in that vast body of water, a power and energy that is incalculable. What would be the result of that power being harnessed, and directed? And yet, is not the Spirit of God in perfect control of His power? Will He not give it when the need arises? What makes this picture, and scenario so extraordinary, is the quietness of the water of the sea, and yet, the latent power can break forth at any time. Such is our God, the God of peace, but the God of the power of the resurrection. And He has called us to know this power in our lives.
The Cross of Christ sets us free…the Spirit of Christ communicates to us the power to live, His power, His life. Amen. So be it.
Love, Dad