Daily Devotions

Posts tagged “raised from the dead

Resurrection and Present Fact

MARTY GABLER—As the people of God assemble today may they rejoice in the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Martha spoke of resurrection in terms of an end-time doctrine. JESUS spoke of resurrection in terms of that which is a present fact applicable to present circumstances. JESUS was challenging Martha to see it and experience it BEFORE the Last Day.  If JESUS cannot raise us from the death of failure (“death”: termination or extinction of something; cessation of all vital functions), from the death “of ceasing of function”, from the death of “not functioning because of fault or breakdown”, how can He raise us from the dust at the Last Day?
Here at Bethany, where JESUS is speaking to Martha, He is only two miles from Jerusalem where He healed one who had been diseased for 38 years; He healed one who had been blind since birth; now He raised one who had been dead for four days. Surely He can raise you up today. I like this definition of resurrection: “to stand up again.” Rejoice, it’s Resurrection Day! You can stand up again because Resurrection is a Person! (v.25) Jn.11:23—“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  24  Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”


To Stand Up Again

As the people of God assemble on Resurrection Sunday may their minds be on the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Martha spoke of resurrection in terms of an end-time doctrine. JESUS spoke of resurrection in terms of that which is a present fact applicable to present circumstances. JESUS was challenging Martha to see it and experience it BEFORE the Last Day.  If JESUS cannot raise us from the death of failure (“death”: termination or extinction of something; cessation of all vital functions), from the death “of ceasing of function”, from the death of “not functioning because of fault or breakdown”, how can He raise us from the dust at the Last Day?
Here at Bethany, where JESUS is speaking to Martha, He is only two miles from Jerusalem where He healed one who had been diseased for 38 years; He healed one who had been blind since birth; now He raised one who had been dead for four days. Surely He can raise you up today. I like this definition of resurrection: “to stand up again.” Rejoice, it’s Resurrection Day! You can stand up again because Resurrection is a Person! (v.25)  23—“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  24  Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (Jn.11:23-25, NKJV)


Jesus Conquered Through Total Opposition

“He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil, He conquered through it.”  (Quote found in my notes)  
”… I died, but see, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of [absolute control and victory over] death and of Hades (the realm of the dead).(Rev.1:18, Amp)


Arising to Vital Function

As the people of God assemble today may they arise from experiences and factors that have held them back from vitally functioning in their Kingdom purpose for the King of Kings. May they find today that Holy Spirit is increasing their capacity and filling that increase with His presence and power through the resurrection power of Jesus. Eph.1:19-20,Amp—“And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],”