. . .That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I mayattain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:1—12

With these words written by Paul there is no doubt that we can look forward to a resurrection that moves us into an eternity with Jesus.  But there is more.  In reading these words our response might take us to learning how to live the resurrection right now. 

Paul says, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.”  The word power (dynamis) means the ability to overcome resistance.  This is more than a simple knowing of who Christ is or what He is able to do.  It is connecting to the dynamis, and in so doing becoming energized by the resurrection in such a way as to overcome the obstacles or the frustrations of this life.  

It is at times difficult to get a mental picture of connecting with the Lord.  We can’t see or touch Him and all that we experience is in a sense other-worldly.  So how do we connect?  Maurice Berquist, in his book, The Miracle Power of Blessing, gives us some insight into this with the analogy using a power line.  Did you know that if you take a piece of copper wire and line it up parallel with power lines that the power lines will energize the copper wire without physically touching it?  There is something about the lines running in the same direction that creates this activation.  There is an incredible application here.  Paul said, “I want to know Christ and the power of the resurrection.”  How many Christians who love the Lord, do not know of this power or have not realized that it is available to them?

Applying Berquist’s theory of the power lines to our Christian walk shows us that we have the ability to be empowered by God, but we have to be going in the same direction – running parallel with Him.  My will, must be lined up with His will.  And how do I know what His will is?  By reading what his Word says.  Knowing Christ and the power that raised Him from the dead is available for me.  I have to want it, as did Paul, and I have to reach for it by seeking His will for my life. 

Faith is the connector to the power of the resurrection.  Remember that Jesus told Martha to have faith – to believe - and she would see the glory of God.  The day that the stone was rolled away for Lazarus was a new day for him - a new life given by the power of the resurrection.  The day that the stone was rolled away to our risen Savior began a new life in the power of the resurrection for you and for me.  Do you believe that?  Do you believe that the resurrection of Jesus conquered death and bridged a gap between you and the Father, or that it brought to you an abundance of life to experience in the now?  The resurrection is about eternity, but it is also about living victoriously, empowered by the living God and energized for life in Him.  Your power line is above you, in fact all around you and if you are a believer within you.  You can live and know the power of His resurrection today – if you believe and if you align yourself with His will.  Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and enable you to be energized by the resurrection.  If you are grounded with the world you won’t receive this energy of God.  Move with Him and lay hold of that which Christ has laid hold of for you. Be energized by the resurrection.