And You Has He Quickened

By Ptr. Vince, on January 21st, 2010

“And you has He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Ephesians 2:1

Even now, He longs to transform us by His indwelling Power and Presence.

“Loose him and let him go.”

That’s what Jesus told the astonished onlookers to do to Lazarus that day as he waddled out of the tomb where he’d been for four days, still bound by his grave-clothes (Jn. 11:44). But, that didn’t happen until He first said “Lazarus, come forth” (v.43).

In reality, that’s the essence of today’s Manna and what it means for the Risen Lord to “quicken us.” The Greek word “suzoopoieo” is used in v.5 for “quickened” and basically means “to reanimate, vitalize, make to come to life, etc.” and is really a joining together of the Greek words “sun” (“union, companionship, association with, etc.”) and “zoopoieo” (“to agree with, abide with, make or do, etc.”). Thus, it implies there’s not one without the other—i.e., we would still be “dead in trespasses and sins” unless the Resurrection Life of Christ had come to live within our hearts.

Prior to His entrance, we were lost and without hope (Eph. 2:12). We still looked at things the way the rest of the world does (I Cor. 2:14). We still acted the way the rest of the world does and “walked according to the course of this world. . .obeying the dictates of the prince of the power of the air (the devil). . .because we were rebellious, children of wrath, disobedience . . . who continually fulfilled the lusts/desires of our flesh and mind” (Eph. 2:2-3; I Jn. 2:16).

But, then something happened.

Suddenly, a Light appeared. And, with that Light came Life and Love (Jn. 1:4; I Jn. 4:7-21).

No longer could we continue talking and walking the way we did in B.C. (“Before Christ”). Instead, our minds which were “blinded by the god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4) and our own willful, sinful, self-deceit, were “quickened”—i.e., “made alive”—and we were transformed from the inside out.

Instead of living in living in “the bondage to the fear of death,” we were set free (Heb. 2:14-15). Instead of constantly worrying about the economy. . .terrorism. . .our health or the health of a loved one. . .His Love “cast out our fear” (I Jn. 4:18) and gave us “love, power and a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). Hallelujah!!

Likewise, through God’s “abundant mercy we have been begotten again unto a lively (Grk. ‘zao’—‘living, animated, invigorated, etc.’) Hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Pet. 1:3). And, in the process we also receive a “Reservation, Preservation, Purification and Celebration” (I Pet. 1:4-9). Glory!!

Then, because of what Christ has done (and is doing in our lives) by faith we claim our “positional salvation” which “has raised us up together (with Christ) and made us to sit together with Christ in Heavenly places” (Eph. 2:6). That’s why we are “more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Rom. 8:37) and able to “do all things through Christ, Who strengthens us” (Phil. 4:3). Amen and amen! Go forth, then, and live that “quickened life” today. Then watch what the Risen Lord does in/through you.

By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated January 21, 2010