Experiencing the Resurrection Today

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6

Today's reflection seems like an odd theme to consider just a few days before the beginning of Lent. "Experiencing the Resurrection Today" would be much more appropriate for Easter. Who knows? Maybe I'll use it again when Easter rolls around in a couple of months.

But, in fact, Christians are not supposed to experience the resurrection of Jesus only on a spring morning when we gather to sing "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" and share the good news, "He is risen. He is risen, indeed." If we take Ephesians 2:6 seriously, then the resurrection matters every day. This verse offers quite stunning resurrection news: We were raised up with Christ. Did you catch that? We were raised up with Christ. This means you were raised with Christ! Do you believe it? Do you live it?

In the last few days, my reflections have been focused on how we think about the end times as Christians. We look forward with hope to the time when "The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever" (Rev. 11:15, Handel's Messiah version). Yet, in a sense, we begin to experience the kingdom of God now. It is "already and not yet." Our future resurrection is something that can touch our lives today. We can begin to live now as people who have been raised with Christ.

This means, among other things, that we can experience the power that raised Jesus from the dead. You may recall Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1, that we might know God better, including "his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead" (1:19-20). Don't you yearn to know more of God's power in your life? Wouldn't you like to see God at work in you and through you, manifesting the presence of his kingdom? I know I would. This is the part of resurrection living into which we have been welcomed through Christ.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: In what ways have you experienced God's power in your life? Where do you sense a need for more of his power at work in and through you?

PRAYER: Gracious God, how amazing to think that what lies ahead in the future can be experienced now, however partially. One day, I will be fully and finally raised into the new life of your kingdom. Yet, even now, I can begin to live as one who has been and will be raised with Christ. I can know you and your power for me, the very power that brought Jesus back from the dead. What a wonder!

Help me, Lord, to live today in the power of your resurrection, for your kingdom and glory. Amen.