MATTHEW 28:1-10 – “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.””

THEME OF THE DAY: REASONS NOT TO BE AFRAID.   Did you know the most prevalent command in the Bible is “Don’t be afraid” or “Don’t fear?”  I pondered that truth for a moment and realized the wisdom of God in giving this command so many times in His Word. The reason why is because we easily become fearful.  It doesn’t take much to make us afraid.  Remember, we are sheep and sheep are timid, easily frightened.

In today’s scripture, we find the command “Do not be afraid” appearing twice and given to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the empty tomb of Jesus. First, it is spoken by the angel of the Lord. Then by the resurrected Lord Himself. In giving this command, we are to remember two things.

The initial truth to remind ourselves of is when God gives a command, He also gives us the resources to obey the command. The second thing to remember is what those resources are what enable us to obey the command “do not be afraid.” God provides all we need to conquer all our fears and be obedient to the command “Do not be afraid.” Here are three resources.

First, we have the very Presence of the Lord Jesus with us.  He tells us throughout the scriptures, “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:1-9, Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 13:5).  We are never alone and when fear seeks to grip us, stop and remember the One who not only is with us, but dwells within us.

Next, God gives us His precious promises.  As Christians, we live on His promises.  This is what the faith life is all about; leaning on the promises of God and what has He promised us.  One glorious promise is His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, draw us near to the Lord Jesus, and bring courage to our otherwise timid hearts.  The Apostle Paul instructs us in his letter to the Romans that we have the Holy Spirit of adoption assuring us that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:1-38).

Finally, we overcome fear and being afraid by the power of God freely given to us.  Jesus tells us, “All power has been given to Me in heaven and earth” (Matthew 28:18). And it is this power promised to us when Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:8).  However, the power of the Holy Spirit is not restricted to being Christ’s witnesses. This power is for living all of the Christian life including obedience to the command “do not be afraid.”

So, Christian, confront the many fears in this life, not in the strength of self, but in God’s resources of His Presence, promises, and power.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for conquering all my fears, and may I learn to walk in this power each day I live.

REFLECTION:  Jesus gives us His Presence, promises, and power and all are enough to conquer our fears.