Mark My Words – Living as Resurrection People

As we move on beyond the Easter holiday, the question for us to consider is what impact should the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ have on our lives? We celebrate the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead as the glorious center point of human history, the hinge if you will, about which all human history revolves. If this event was that important, that central to human destiny, then it should make a positive impact on our lives both now and for all of eternity.

Following are some of the positive impacts that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ should have on our lives.

Positive Impact 1: Confidence of Victory over Evil

At the cross and by His resurrection Jesus scored a decisive victory over evil. The powers of darkness were put on notice that their reign of terror upon the earth will one day come to an end. You see, at the cross, what men and Satan intended for evil, our God intended for good. Do you see how God works sovereignly in history to bring about His good purpose?  Satan’s intent was to use the religious and political leaders of His day to crush the Messiah. Yet it was in this crushing that the precious blood was squeezed from His veins that assures His chosen, and dearly loved people of eternal life. You see by sending Jesus to the cross, the powers of evil were servants of God’s will, even though they did not even realize it! Our God reigns! Nothing the powers of evil can throw at Him will take our God by surprise! Therefore, if we love and obey Jesus Christ, we are assured that we too can emerge victorious from the fierce spiritual battles that we all will face in this life. Stay strong in faith and close to Jesus in the battle!

Positive Impact 2: Meaning and Purpose in Suffering

Because Jesus’ suffering had meaning and purpose, your suffering can have meaning and purpose as well. Jesus suffered upon the cross in order that we could receive salvation. It is an honorable thing to suffer for doing the will of God and being a Christian. It is a dishonorable thing to suffer as a result of wrongdoing. As we place our faith in Jesus, and take up our cross daily to follow Him, He transforms our sufferings for His glory and our good. All things truly do work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His good purpose. Do you want God to transform your suffering into good in your life? Then submit patiently and obediently to God in your suffering and watch God do His transforming work in your life! God will be glorified in your child like patience and trust. Be still and know that He is God, even when the storm clouds rise, knowing that dark clouds can carry with them the blessings of precious rain even though they may appear menacing to the eye. Your God is always on your side, even when life hurts. Count on it.

Positive Impact 3: Promise of Eternal Glory

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. We also are assured of resurrection to eternal glory by virtue of our relationship with Jesus. This eternal glory is not the result of our good works, but instead the result of God’s amazing grace shown to us by the Son of God. If God is for us who can be against us! God the Father gave His one and only son on our behalf. If He did that for us, certainly He will continue to rain down blessings upon us as His people if we will walk obediently with Him. Death did not have the final say over Jesus. On the third day, he sprang forth from the dead in His glorious resurrection. We too are assured of a glorious resurrection at the last day when Jesus Christ returns for His church. On that day we will be caught up to Him and meet Him in the air at His glorious appearing. What a day it will be when our Jesus we will see! You as God’s child may suffer now, but your destiny is eternal glory because of the Son of God who loved you and died for your sins. Wait patiently until the fullness of the glorious salvation that God has planned for you is revealed. It will be worth the wait!

Blessings to you all as you live out the reality of the resurrection in your daily lives.

Mark