THE GARDEN TOMB IN JERUSALEM

 

The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem

          It is always such a moving experience to visit The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. Pastor Aaron Burgner shared The Lord’s Supper with the members of Lakes Church while we were there on our visit. This beautiful watercolor painting of The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, Israel, reminds us of the mighty power and majesty of the resurrection of Christ, as explored in a word study of Ephesians 1:19-20 and the four different Greek words used in this Scripture for the resurrection power with which God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and toward us who believe. Ephesians 1:19-20 NASB “What is the surpassing greatness of His ‘power’ toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the ‘working’ of the ‘strength’ of His ‘might’ which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”
          Power (dunamis)—dynamic—it refers to intrinsic power. The gospel is dynamic, God’s dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. Dunamis is the same power that resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us.
          Working (energeia)—describes effectual working, efficiency or active, effective power. In this passage, energeia describes the active, energetic, productive power of God at work. Energeia describes God’s power in raising Christ, Paul instructs us that we have it.
          Strength (kratos)—refers to manifested power or power that is released, put forth in action. It is power to overcome what stands in the way. It is power which is able to overcome resistance. Kratos means strength or might, the power to rule or control, supreme authority, sovereignty.
          Might (ischus)—inherent power or force. A muscular man’s big muscles display his might, even if he doesn’t use them. It is the reserve of strength. Ischus conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. He is able!.
          As a believer, I know this is the same resurrection power that dwells in the innermost part of me, giving me strength to face every day’s challenges. This is encouraging to me, because it’s not my power, but the power of the Spirit of Christ Who dwells in the innermost part of me, the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead…Praise His Holy Name…the Lamb has overcome!
          The most powerful evangelism doesn’t take place within the four walls of a church building. It occurs as we share with others in our neighborhood and workplace the good news of what God has done for us individually and for the whole world in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ask God to bring people across your path today who need to hear the good news that God saves and that he loves them. And then ask him for the compassion and courage to share the reason for your hope and to pray for those people. Nothing happens apart from the resurrection power of Jesus. Only Christ working in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit and the Word of God can produce a life that pleases the Lord. So let this prayer be the cry of your heart.
          Heavenly Father, strengthen and equip me with every good thing so that I can do your will. Prepare me for what you’re preparing for me. And open my heart wider to the working of your Spirit so that my life—inside and outside—will honor you. Produce in me, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to you. I rejoice over the resurrection of your precious Son! I won’t forget what He has done for me. You sent Him to earth and He was dishonored, but I pray that I will honor Him by remembering the cross. I will acknowledge His sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection. Thank you that He burst from the tomb to live inside us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen..

          Look Up—meditate on Ephesians 1:19-20 … pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.
          Look In—as you meditate on Ephesians 1:19-20 … pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."
          Look Out—as you meditate on Ephesians 1:19-20 …pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.

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