City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

₁₉ That power is the same as the mighty strength ₂₀ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ₂₁ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:19-21

Interpretation

God is almighty. He has limitless powers. Death is powerful in a sense that it is inevitable to all living creatures. Jesus took the sting of the death and was victorious over the grave. Resurrection has happened many times in the recorded history. We see many records of it in the Old and New Testament. Elijah brought the son of the widow of Zarephath back to life. Elisha brought the son of Shunammite woman back to life while alive and his bones brought an unknown Israelite back to life. Jesus brought the widow’s son, Jairus’ daughter, Tabitha also called Dorcas and Lazarus back to life. Paul brought Eutychus back to life. And we hear occasionally of various people who came back from death even today.

Then, what is different in the death and resurrection of Jesus? All who came back from the dead ultimately died one day! Death was still there. But Jesus came back defeating the death itself that was brought about by the initial sin of Adam and Eve, and restored the plan of God. He came back to life with a transformed glorious body that transcended time and space. This is the power of God demonstrated in a new dimension. He not only defeated death but is seated on the right hand of the Father with all authority, power and dominion. What does that mean to us? It means that this power of God which was inaccessible to mankind is now accessible to everyone through Christ. It also gives us hope that all of us in Christ will resurrect with such glorious body and will live eternally in the presence of God. Eternity which was lost is now available to mankind by the finished work of Christ and the connection between mankind and God is restored via Jesus.

Application

Paul is praying to open the eyes of the believers to see who they are in Christ and what Christ has done. Knowing who we are and who Christ is in this new way transforms one’s life. This knowledge is essential to lead a victorious and overcoming life. We also have a glorious future with renewed bodies in the presence of God. This is an eye opening information for all who believe in Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Almighty God. Open our eyes so that we see who You are and help us to know You more. Thanks for defeating death and giving eternity to all of us. Your name has power and You have given us that transforming power to lead a victorious life, we thank You. We worship You. In Jesus name, amen.