By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. I Corinthians 6:14
Have you ever thought about how much power is contained in a thunderstorm or in the waters of a flooded river? At times, life can feel like the storms or floods and completely overwhelm us. We can lose purpose, develop doubts, or experience brokenness in our relationships in the aftermath.
Powerlessness becomes our permanent state. Nothing we can do could put things back together again. We’re stuck staring at a new reality we didn’t ask for.
The disciples may have felt this way in those hours following Jesus’ death. Their master, friend, very center of their whole universe had just been killed. That relationship was over. Their life mission had come to an abrupt end. Now they stood still. Confused and hurt, fearful and questioning, they read in each other’s eyes the suspicion that just maybe they’d been on the wrong track all along.
Jesus wasn’t who they thought he was. Now he’s gone. Without him, the disciples were no longer who they thought they were; Jesus’ followers, the ones who would someday witness the nation set to rights allowing them a share in the glory and the power.
But Jesus knew a different kind of power. This power was longer lasting than the pompous authority enjoyed by the Roman rulers and coveted by the disciples. This holy power would blast the grave with a force reaching into eternity. When the Holy Spirit breathed into their lives, the disciples would know this power, too.
It is resurrection power. Sweet enough to keep them asking for more. Strong enough to face down the worst of fears.
Then Jesus reappeared totally and vibrantly alive. He stood among them and proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). That one statement restored their purpose. Jesus had spoken, and he’d spoken to each one of them. No opposition could stand in their way. Love for Christ and a clear understanding of his word to them propelled these friends into lifelong service.
Questions were answered. Doubts could get laid to rest. Jesus really was who he’d claimed to be. And more. He was the King. The one they’d hoped all along would come through. They knew now because they had seen him. Touched him. Heard his word to them. Nothing could shake their confidence after spending time in the presence of the Lord himself. They wouldn’t have to leave him behind. When those doubts resurfaced, they could recall those wonderful words, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
Community and faith now restored, the disciples embrace this resurrection power. Then they take seriously Jesus’ question to Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:16).
“Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you,” was the reply.
This is what Jesus’ kind of power is all about anyway. Love. Love for him. Love for his call. Love for his world. “Many rivers cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away” (Song of Songs 8:7).
Finally, we have a force that can stand up to the overwhelming floods and storms; power based on love. It carries through the days of doubt, the longing for purpose, and the brokenness that invades our lives.
Resurrection power. It carries on into eternity guaranteeing us a place at the Lord’s side where we ,through his Spirit, become conquerors enjoying a long and consistent conquest assured of victory.
