March 31 - Happy Resurrection Day!

"And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."  
Matthew 28:2-6 (KJV)

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  What is the importance of Christ's resurrection to those who believe in him?  The Full Life Study bible list the following:

1. It proves he is the Son of God
2. It guarantees the efficacy of his redemptive death
3. It verifies the truth of Scripture
4. It is proof of future judgment on the wicked
5. It is the foundation of Christ's gift of the Holy Spirit and spiritual life to his people and for his heavenly ministry of intercession for the believer
6. It assures believers of their future heavenly inheritance and of their resurrection or translation when the Lord returns
7. It makes available the presence of Christ and his power over sin in our everyday experience

These points or reasons are all wonderful and good to know in addressing the importance of Christ's resurrection.  They're also great to share with our children when/if our sons/daughters become too enamored with the commercialism of Easter.  However, I'd like to offer one more item of importance as to Christ's resurrection, which is offered in verse 18.  "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."  The word power translated is 'exousia'  (eks-ü-sē'-ä), which means 'AUTHORITY'.  Therefore Jesus says "all authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth."  As believers, when we receive the Holy Spirit...we receive the authority and power.

Thank You Jesus for dying, rising and living for us!  What a truly awesome testimony, to serve a RISEN, LIVING Savior.  Thank you for the promise of AUTHORITY!  Because You were resurrected, I speak with authority to any child that is in rebellion to Your will; OBEDIENCE RESURRECTED!  I speak to any child that has gone astray; RECONCILIATION RESURRECTED!  I speak to any child that is feeling oppressed; ENCOURAGEMENT RESURRECTED !  To the child who is bound by whatever the vice may be; DELIVERANCE AND LIBERATION RESURRECTED!  I speak to the husband/wife whose marriage is under attack;  LOVE, HONOR, RESPECT AND SELFLESSNESS RESURRECTED!  To the finances that are out of order; BUDGETING, ORDER AND INCREASE RESURRECTED!  To the person dealing with physical or mental health challenges; HEALING AND WHOLENESS RESURRECTED!  Lord, let us live out the RESURRECTION today!  In Jesus name, Amen!