Fear - Pt. 3

 

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.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee,  and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10 ESV).

 

This world can be a scary place, and fear is something we all must face. The Bible tells us, “Do not be afraid!” 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…”

 

In our reading today, 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.

 

I have often shared with others a common proverb that has settled my heart in times of fear. It is based in part in the victory won for us by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Perhaps it might be of comfort to you as well: Never let past failures or future fears rob you of present joy! He is with us always … unto the end of the age!