As we ponder this time of year, the wonder of Easter, and all that Christ Jesus did for us, it is hard not to be challenged by the commission of God when considering just a few of the events that unfolded on the days of His crucifixion or resurrection.
The very death of Christ revealed both His divine commitment to our Heavenly Father and His calling, and also pure love.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (NKJV John 15:13)
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)
And then, we have the power of His life manifest even in His victory on the cross (which it seems even some in the world could see but not others – including some in the church even today).
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (NKJV Matthew 27:50-54)
Then the Lord reveals His authority over our mortal, and immortal lives, in just a passing phrase to the Apostle Peter not long before He ascends to heaven.
Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:20-23)
Wow, in just a few actions of His power, our Lord Jesus reveals to us there is so much more available to us in Him as we follow Him in the great commission. And yet either because we limit God to our rational understanding, or just find it hard to believe in such things, or have been convinced (incorrectly) that such things are not for us, we tend not to even think we should see such events today. It could be also God has other ideas for the moment, or we pursue such things out of a heart of ambition, and not from a selfless love, than weeps for the wicked, and above all obeys our Father in heaven, and so we may not see such miracles..yet. Regardless, the Lord has told us in in the Bible (e.g.John 14) to expect to do this and more in His name as part of our commission. The keys, the grace of God above all else, a devoted and humble heart for Him, and being full of the wonderful Holy Spirit…who leads and empowers us.
So the Lord sends us..with boundless abilities in Him, for His Kingdom work alone. Let us go in such Shalom. Many wonderful miracles will come to pass soon, beyond comprehension…Lord, help my unbelief, for I know this is your will.
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)
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