“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection…” Philippians 3:10a (NIV)
Growing up I remember seeing pictures of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, The Smokey Mountains, The Pacific Ocean, The Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Ireland, Great Britain, Cuba, Costa Rica, Panama, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Canada. As a kid I could only dream of being able to see all of these places, and more. They seemed so far away and so wonderful. I dreamed of knowing what it would be like to experience them first hand. I am very blessed to say that I have been able to experience them all and know what it is like to be in each of these places.
I am sure that we all have had this type of experience in finally knowing what it is like to be somewhere new. Paul is someone who experienced this both physically and spiritually. Paul experienced a complete turnaround in his spiritual life. Jesus personally called Paul from a life of persecution of Christians to a life of producing Christians. Paul knew the power in being called, equipped, and sent into ministry by Jesus Christ. Yet, Paul still wants to know more of Jesus. Paul wants to know the power of Christ’s resurrection. The power that takes sinners and makes them saved, that makes broken people whole, that causes those without sight to see, that frees those in captivity, and that makes all things new.
The power of Christ’s resurrection does not come without the pain of the crucifixion. The darkest hours of Friday and Saturday of Holy Week help us understand this. The suffering of Christ is something Paul desires to know as well. Without the suffering, the joy that comes on Easter morning would be out of context and powerless. However, together the suffering of Christ and the resurrection of Christ hold tremendous power. This power is not just for then… it is for always!
This Good Friday we remember the suffering, agony, and passion of Christ AND this Easter Sunday we celebrate Christ, the risen Savior. I want to know Christ and to know the power of His resurrection. Will you join me tonight at 7 p.m. for our Good Friday service and this Easter Sunday at 8:15, 9:45, or 11:15? May we all want to know!