Christ died for our sins . . . was buried . . . was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:3–4)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 13:55; John 7:2-5; Acts 15:13; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; James 1:1; 2:1
The Easter story is familiar to most, and many of us have memories of all the various ways we have seen, heard, and experienced the story of Easter over the years. When was the last time you sat in the depth and power found in the resurrection? Even in the familiar, there is the power of God present and working.
If we take this passage slowly, piece by piece, the power of the resurrection overwhelms brokenness, darkness, and death. The power of the resurrection also brings forth sacrifice, new life, light, and faithfulness. The power found in the resurrection is that it is all-encompassing, all-inclusive, and shows no favoritism. Jesus’ family didn’t get a special portion of power. James received the same power and transformation by faith that we have access to. Paul’s broken past as Saul was completely forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, just as our most broken pieces are. Just as God was faithful to call James and Paul into roles of leadership, God is faithful to equip and call each of us into spaces where we are called to lead.
The power of the resurrection isn’t something in the past. It’s not just a story that we read every year. The power of the resurrection is present and just as powerful today as it was when Mary went to the empty tomb.
Live in the power of the resurrection every day.
Maggie Slusher serves student-athletes at Wayne State University (MI). She is passionate about doing life together as a community and walking towards Jesus every step of the way.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
