The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; 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 is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Matthew 28:5-10 (NIV)
Friday the 13th. Many people cringe in fear when this day arrives. Most hotels do not have a 13th floor because of the superstition that pervades our world. But superstition breeds fear and fear is of the devil. His mission is only to steal, kill, and destroy. Fear is the number 1 tool for stealing peace, killing joy, and destroying our confidence.
The good news of Resurrection Sunday, however, is that Jesus Christ, our Eternal Savior, lives. And because he lives we can live above and be victorious over fear and superstitions. The first message of the Resurrection, repeated twice in today’s text, is ‘Do not be afraid.’
We do not fear because our Savior is alive. We do not fear because our sins are forgiven.
We do not fear because we trust the Bible. The Bible and our Risen Savior gives us confidence and victory! Numbers and dates do not control our destiny. The one who died, was buried, has risen, and lives today, he controls our future. Praise his holy name!
Dear Father, thank you for the security of your grace and mercy. Grant to us the confident assurance of your presence today. Enable us to serve you without fear. Empower us to share our faith with others. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his Resurrected Son and live to his glory,