Table of Contents
Open Heavens 15 April 2026 Today Devotional & Commentary
Topic: REVERSING DEATH
Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
MEMORISE
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
— Hebrews 2:14
READ: Luke 7:11-17 (KJV)
11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
MESSAGE
Yesterday, I discussed how God is able to suspend or reverse natural laws to perform miracles. The Almighty God can sometimes override some laws with superior laws.
For example, if a magistrate pronounces a person guilty in a magistrates’ court, and that person appeals to a high court, a judge can rule that the magistrate erred in his or her judgement and annul it. God is the supreme authority in heaven and on earth, and He can override any natural law, including the law of death.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. — John 11:43-44
In the Scripture above, Lazarus had been buried for four days, and according to the law of death, he must have started to rot and stink. However, Jesus applied a higher law – the law of resurrection and life – to override the law of death and decomposition by saying, “Lazarus, come forth!” Immediately He gave that command, the one who had been dead for four days came back to life. The Almighty God is able to reverse the power and effect of death.
When a person dies and begins to decompose, that person’s blood becomes blackish, and his or her skin begins to decay. For Lazarus to have been raised from the dead, it meant that his decaying flesh and blood, which must have become blackish, had to be restored to their normal states. The law of resurrection and life overrode the law of death and decomposition. I pray that the law of resurrection and life will overrule and nullify anything death might have set in motion in your life, family, and business, in Jesus’ name.
In today’s Bible reading, a widow lost her only son to death. She had earlier lost her husband, and now, her only son lay lifeless and was about to be buried. She was in a sorrowful state, but when the Resurrection and the Life appeared on the scene, He turned her mourning into joy. She, who must have been an object of pity in the town because of her losses, became a celebrity because of her miracle.
Beloved, I pray for you today that my Daddy will turn every dead situation that has affected your life negatively into a cause for celebration, in Jesus’ name.
ACTION POINT
The law of death loses its power when the Resurrection and Life is on the scene.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
1 Kings 16-18
HYMN 25: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN NOW IS NEAR
COMMENTARY SECTION
MEMORISE: Hebrews 2:14
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
This verse reveals the strategic purpose of Jesus’ death. He didn’t just die to forgive sins—He died to destroy the one who holds the power of death. Through His resurrection, Jesus broke the back of death itself. Death is not the final word; Jesus is.
The Supreme Court of Heaven
In today’s devotional, Pastor Adeboye continues his teaching on God’s authority over natural laws. He introduces a powerful legal analogy: God is the Supreme Court of the universe. Whatever lower courts have decided—including the court of death—He can override with a higher law.
Lower Courts vs. The Supreme Court
In a magistrate’s court, a person can be found guilty and sentenced. But if that person appeals to a high court, a judge can review the case, declare that the magistrate erred, and annul the sentence entirely.
In the same way, there are laws that govern our physical existence—including the law of death. When a person dies, especially after several days, the “lower court” of biology and physics has pronounced a verdict: this life is over. Decomposition has begun. The case is closed.
But God is the Supreme Court. He can review the verdict. He can declare that the lower court erred. He can annul the sentence of death and pronounce a new verdict: life.
What Death Has Set in Motion in Your Life
The devotional asks: What has death set in motion in your life? Not just physical death, but other forms of death:
Dead dreams – Things you hoped for that never came to pass
Dead relationships – Marriages, friendships, family connections that have withered
Dead finances – Businesses that crashed, investments that failed
Dead health – Bodies that are failing, diagnoses that feel like death sentences
Dead ministry – Callings that seemed to fade, visions that stopped growing
Whatever death has touched, the law of resurrection and life can override.
How to Activate Resurrection Power
Recognize Who Jesus Is – He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
Bring Him Your Dead Things – Don’t hide hopeless situations
Trust His Timing – He may wait to make the miracle undeniable
Listen for His Voice – He speaks life through Word, Spirit, and prayer
Prepare for Celebration – Be ready to trade sorrow for joy
Conclusion: Your Funeral Will Become a Party
That dead situation in your life is not beyond His reach. That dream they buried years ago is not too far gone. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. And He is standing at your funeral right now, ready to say, “Arise.”
PRAYER
“Father, I thank You that You are the Supreme Court of the universe. I thank You that the law of resurrection is higher than the law of death. Today, I bring every dead situation in my life before You—every dead dream, dead relationship, dead finances, dead hope. Speak to them, Lord. Command them to live. Overrule every verdict the enemy has pronounced. Turn my mourning into joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
ACTION STEPS
Identify the “dead things” – Write down specific areas of your life that feel lifeless.
Bring them to Jesus in prayer – Lay each one before Him.
Listen for His command – Ask the Holy Spirit to speak resurrection words.
Prepare your testimony – Start thanking God now for the resurrection you believe for.
