The Resurrection of Jesus Christ constitutes the greatest demonstration of power ever witnessed by mortal man. The power of God’s Holy Spirit with which Christ, as the Omnipotent Son of God was endued, attested to this fact when He declared:
“Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:17,18).
Not only did Jesus have the ability to die for us and rise again – it was the Heavenly Father’s command, and as a faithful Son, “He became obedient unto death” (Phil. 2:8).
JOSEPH’S TOMB
“And when Joseph had taken the body (of Jesus), he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed” (Matthew 27:59,60).
Tomb Described
“Tomb, a natural cave enlarged and adapted by excavation, or an artificial imitation of one, was the standard type of sepulcher. This was what the structure of the Jewish soil suggested.
“The cave, or rock-hewn sepulcher, consisted of an antechamber in which the body was deposited, in a recumbent position, in niches. According to the Talmud these abodes of the dead were usually six feet long, nine feet wide, and ten feet high. Here there were niches for eight bodies –three on each side of the entrance and two opposite. Larger sepulchers held thirteen bodies. The entrance to the Sepulcher was guarded by a large stone, or door.”
—Unger’s Bible Dictionary
I personally do not believe anyone knows exactly how large the stone was that guarded the tomb where Jesus lay. Estimates run as high as one and one half tons. His body was wrapped with several layers of white linen cloth (John 11:44), but He Who is All Powerful and Altogether Lovely emerged like a magnificent butterfly from its cocoon and ascended. The sealed stone did not prevent Jesus from coming forth in resurrection power (John 20:26). Angels rolled the stone away, not to accommodate Jesus, but in order to permit foes and friends alike to see that the tomb was empty (Matt.28:2).
Paul Declares Christ’s Resurrection
I Corinthians 15:3-8
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas (Peter), then of the twelve: after that he was seen of about five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto the this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time”.
THE POWER OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION CAN BE OUR’S TODAY
Romans 6:3-5
“Know ye not as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
Colossians 3:1-4
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we appear with him in glory.”
His Power Compensates For Our Weakness
I am writing this article on April 6th 2006. Just two months past, on Feb. 6th I fell and broke my back. Since then, I have learned the difference between my weakness and His strength. God originally blessed me with a strong body. After my fall, I did not have the strength to lift a cup to my lips. I was dependent on others for everything. My X-ray said I would never walk again. God’s Word promises strength as our day --but my day was long since past –(God’s promise is a maximum of 80 years Psalm 90:10).
On the day of my injury, Dr. Howard came and prayed for me. Although He knew about my X-RAY, he prayed and encouraged me to believe I would walk again. Praise God! That was the lift I needed! After that, it was easy to believe God for my healing. Hallelujah!
I am now walking with my walker and I am able to do a few things for myself. Just as I experienced Resurrection Power in my soul the day I was saved, so, I am now experiencing Resurrection Power in my body through the grace and mercy of God and because of the prayers of God’s people. Continue to pray for me, please. Thank you! and God bless you!