March 23

The Power Of Christ's Resurrection

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. — Rom 6:4 BSB

The theme of this passage is life in union with the Risen Christ. Behind us lies the death of our Lord, which has broken our connection with the world. Just as the dead are untouched by the praise or blame of others, their ears closed to all, so too should we be unmoved by the world’s opinions and set on doing the will of God alone.

However, it is not wise to dwell constantly on the negative aspects of the Christian life. Though they are always present, focusing too much on them can make us miss the power that makes self-denial and sacrifice easier. Don’t live in the shadow of Christ’s death, but in the light of His resurrection. Fix your eyes on Him as He ascends to His place of glory. Seek to share in the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10).

There should be a clear break in our experience. It is good for us to recognize that we have left our past behind. We should be done with it forever. While we may still be tempted and may sometimes fall, we have left our old life behind, just as the Israelites passed through the Red Sea and were never to return to Egypt. We do not claim that we are incapable of sinning from now on. If we think that way, we will soon be disappointed, discovering that the tendencies to sin still exist within us. Instead, we should reckon that we have died to sin, and when temptation comes, it has no right to claim us. Like Nelson turning a blind eye to the signal to retreat, we should turn deaf ears and blind eyes to the tempter.

The Apostle tells us to offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness to God. Instead of looking at the tempter, look to Christ. Offer your eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Him so that He can use them for His purposes. As this becomes the habitual practice of your life, it will inevitably influence your soul and spirit.

Prayer

Constrained by Your love, O Lord, we present ourselves—spirit, soul, and body—not to live for ourselves but for You, who died and rose again for us. Amen.