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Matthew 28 tells us, “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come and see the place where the Lord lay.”
As the women went to share the good news with the disciples, Jesus met them, saying “Rejoice! Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee and there they will see Me.”
Christ’s resurrection represents the most important celebration of the Christian faith. Jesus willingly surrendered His life by being crucified, buried and raised to life, so that we can live eternally. Therefore, we can rejoice! But, why? It is more than being accepted into eternal life. We get to embrace and live in the fullness of the victory of His resurrection.
It is the power of the Holy Spirit that allows us to appropriate the full victory of Jesus death and resurrection.
We read in Acts 1, that after Jesus appeared to the disciples, He instructed them to wait for the promise of the Father. “As they were assembled together, Jesus told them to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which, you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Then He ascends into Heaven, and the disciples return to the Upper Room to wait. In Acts 2 we see the Holy Spirit poured out upon everyone, but more importantly, we see in verse 39, that this promise was not only for them, but their children and to as many as the Lord will call.
It is because of the Holy Spirit living in each believer that we have the power to operate in signs and wonders and miracles. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that allows us to appropriate the full victory of Jesus death and resurrection. Can you imagine – one/third of the Godhead not only living in you but guiding you into all truth. In John 16:5 & 7, Jesus tells us, “But now I go away to Him who sent Me…” “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” But who is this Helper? John 14:26 Jesus tells us, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to remembrance all things I have said to you.” I think we can all agree that we need a Helper!
If we are going to be ambassadors for Christ, it is imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in every aspect of our lives. Do you believe? Then you have access to the Holy Spirit. Ask the Father to fill you afresh today with His power and boldness to do what He has called you to do.
