One of my favorite pastimes was watching professional wrestling (and yes, I know it’s fake). I particularly admired Hulk Hogan, and more specifically, his resiliency. During each of his matches, Hogan endured a sequence where his opponent had the advantage. But just when it looked like defeat was certain, Hogan would emerge from the depths of hopelessness. Hearing the “millions of Hulkamaniacs” cheering inspired him to recover and redeem his championship!
Although I admired Hulk Hogan, I’ve learned that he’s only a candle compared to God’s Son – Jesus, the master of resiliency. One day, Jesus wrestled Satan for the “World Power Championship,” but Satan didn’t fight fair. He recruited death and the grave as tag team partners in a singles match. I’m sure that Satan and his hosts enjoyed a lavish celebration on Friday and Saturday, when it looked like victory was certain. But early, Sunday morning, Jesus heard His Father saying, “Rise, Son, and reclaim your championship!” That day, Jesus became the “World Power Champion,” for He said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18, New Living Translation).
The good news is that we can rise from our “graves,” too. The writer of Hebrews said that we have fans in heaven, cheering us on, and Jesus is among them. Let’s get up from our harbor of hopelessness and live in resurrection authority. Get up!
… And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives (Romans 6:4, New Living Translation).