Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. (Romans 6:4)
With tears I write this because now that the Easter weekend has passed do we just go back to our normal everyday lives once the celebration is over? Regretfully I have to admit I have often gone back to the same routine, but this year is different. I really hope you didn't just use this weekend to enjoy like it was a vacation. What I hope is that you took the time each day to reflect on what Jesus has done for us. I know I did and will continue to do so because it touches my heart in such a deep way I can't even express them in words.
Jesus chose to be obedient taking on all the sin of the world and was tortured in a way no other man would be able to endure. He died on the cross and was laid in a tomb. After all this suffering He was risen on the third day.
Jesus rose up out of that grave by the power of God - the resurrection power. Jesus was revived, rising up from the dead, making all things new. When we live in Christ we have this same power within us. By the resurrection of Christ we have the assurance of a future resurrection when we go to be with our Father in heaven. Eternal life - we overcome death and will have a new beginning.
What about now? Right this second, doesn't thinking about the resurrection make you want to live like you are resurrected. Awakened to change not only ourselves but to bring change into the world. This resurrection power not only gives us hope to change; it gives us the power to change. You might not recognize it right now but we are constantly being changed.
I feel like I have been given a new identity and I am on fire for God. I have been given the opportunity to to rise up and not like the person who I used to be but rather one who is rising up to be the person I am meant to be. I feel resurrected and have a new hope rising up within me. I feel bold, courageous, strengthened, refreshed, and ready for whatever lies ahead. Change is what lies ahead and I will not fear it, nor will I run from it.
The resurrection is a new beginning of who we are truly meant to be. The time is now to rise up and let our light shine brighter than ever before.