YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN
"You Can't Keep a Good Man Down" was the title of a 1950's tune written by Rose Ann Marks and Billy Ward about a man whose girlfriend left him. In 2008, NewSong rewrote the lyrics to sing about the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the only good man you can’t keep down.
During Peter’s first sermon after the resurrection, He challenged the Jews regarding their involvement in the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:23-24, Peter said, this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Isn’t that great, it was impossible for death to hold Jesus down.
Matthew 27:62-66 tells us about the elaborate plans the religious leaders made, with Pilate’s approval, so that his body would not be stolen. They put a large 4–5-foot disk-shaped stone over the opening of the tomb, they put a seal on the stone, and stationed soldiers to safeguard it. Despite all their efforts, Jesus rose from the dead on the 3rd day because you can’t keep a good man down.
Because death could not hold Jesus down, you and I, who will eventually die, have the hope that death cannot hold us down either. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8, To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. When Christians leave this world, they grieve with hope because, like Christ, we will be resurrected.
When Jesus rose from the dead, God declared that Christ’s atoning sacrifice had been accepted. The penalty for our sins was paid in full. (I John 4:10)
When Jesus rose from the dead, He conquered the devil. At the cross, Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities. God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless. (Colossians. 2:15, NCV) At the cross, Satan and his unclean spirits were rendered powerless. That through death He (Jesus) might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. (Hebrews. 2:14, NASB) Our greatest enemy has been defeated by Christ!
When Jesus rose from the dead, He powerfully conquered death and became victorious in life. That’s why Paul said in I Corinthians 15:55, O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? Because HE lives, you and I will also live forever.
Easter gives us a whole new attitude about life and death. No matter what problem you have right now—family, physical, mental, spiritual, or financial, the Resurrected Lord tells us that there is hope and that God is able. Trust in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will have an entirely different perspective about life, death, and your problems. Because you can’t keep the only truly, good God-man down, we have much to be grateful for this Easter! Jesus met our greatest need--forgiveness of sin; He conquered our greatest foe--the devil; and He abolished our greatest fear--death! HE IS RISEN!!!
