Exodus 37:1-38:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Psalms 34:15-22; Proverbs 12:8-9
NT: “After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”” (Matthew 28:1-10 CSB)
The ground around the garden tomb shook violently as an angel touched down on earth and rolled away the stone. That scene was so powerful and stunning that the war-hardened, elite soldiers guarding the tomb were petrified and fell away like dead men. In the midst of that awesome display of power and glory, the angel comforted the women and said, “Don’t be afraid.” For those opposed to the Lord, they are to be very afraid – but to those who are with the Lord, there is no reason to fear. Then the angel told them the amazing news. Jesus was not there because He had risen! The angel didn’t come to roll away the stone and set Jesus free from the grave, for Jesus had risen and set Himself free. The angel came so that everyone could know and see what had already happened. Then the resurrected Jesus Himself appeared to the women, and after they fell at His feet to worship Him, He also said, “Do not be afraid.” Smack dab in the middle of unprecedented, unsure, and scary times – Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.” He is all-powerful… not even death can hold Him down. If you are with Him and in Him, He is the eternal victor – don’t be afraid. He has risen! Don’t be afraid.
Psalms: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help. The face of the Lord is set against those who do what is evil, to remove all memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. One who is righteous has many adversities, but the Lord rescues him from them all. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. The Lord redeems the life of his servants, and all who take refuge in him will not be punished.” (Psalms 34:15-22 CSB)
Those who oppose the Lord will be opposed by the Lord. It is understandable why they would be in fear. However, those who keep their eyes focused on the Lord and their ears attuned to His word will be seen and heard by the Lord and have no reason to fear. Those who walk in righteousness and counter to the ways of the world will have many adversities, but still there is no reason to fear, for the Lord will rescue them from all the adversities. Trust in the Lord, be a peace, and do not fear.
Jamie Hicks 