Freedom from Fear

 

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:1-7 ESV).

 

Well… first, let me say I did NOT take this photograph. I mean, without a very long range lens, who would! It comes from one of the many sites warning people from hopping out of their vehicle to wander through the wildflowers now blooming in Texas. And, yes, there is a rattlesnake that has adapted to the color of the bluebonnets as camouflage. I really hate snakes. To say I am fearful of them would be a gross understatement. I call that “wisdom” to make myself feel a bit better about my obvious ophidiophobia (fancy word for “fear of snakes”). It does give me pause to think about today’s topic.

 

Fear comes in all shapes and sizes. Some people are afraid of snakes or spiders. Others may have a fear of heights, enclosed spaces, or public speaking. Many fear failure, change, dying, or being alone. Still others live each day in very real fear of persecution, oppression, discrimination, and physical harm. This world can be a scary place, and fear is something we all must face.

 

The completed work of Christ gives us power over the greatest of fears, death. Again and again we read of God’s coming to his people with such comforting and empowering words as “Do not fear. I am with you. I am your God and will never forsake you. You are mine.” In the story of Jesus’ resurrection, both the angel at the tomb and Jesus on the road began their conversation with the women by saying, “Do not be afraid. . . .” The women’s encounter with the supernatural was overwhelming, and their fear was real. But the power of the resurrection assures us that the Lord cares for his people and is with them in whatever times may come.

 

Because Jesus rose again and is with us always through his Holy Spirit (cf. Matthew 28:18-20), we can have freedom from fear because we are never alone. In God’s presence and strength we can face whatever comes… maybe even snakes!