Do Not Be Afraid
Do Not Be Afraid
During our recent Evening Women's Bible Study, Julia Nell shared these words of Martin Luther regarding the angels at the empty tomb:
...the angels come with two commands: the first is to the women, that they should not be frightened by their appearance, but they should rejoice that Christ is risen; the other command is that they should not keep the resurrection a secret, but they should quickly go forth and announce it to the disciples.
We should be very glad in both these parts, for the angel says first, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has risen from the dead.” It was as if he should have said, “But what sort of silly, simple people are you, that you prefer to be shocked and terrified? However, Christ is alive and has risen from the dead. Therefore it is fitting that you should be happy and that you should not be frightened by anything. For Christ lives that He might live for your good, that you will benefit from Him and that you will be protected from Him and kept safe from all affliction.”
What beautiful, comforting words in an ever-changing world: He is not here. He has risen. As we continue celebrating the season of Easter, ask God how the reality of His resurrection can bring peace, replace fear, and give you strength to face adversity. Allow the joy of His resurrection to spill out of your life as you share this truth with others.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and forevermore.
...the angels come with two commands: the first is to the women, that they should not be frightened by their appearance, but they should rejoice that Christ is risen; the other command is that they should not keep the resurrection a secret, but they should quickly go forth and announce it to the disciples.
We should be very glad in both these parts, for the angel says first, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has risen from the dead.” It was as if he should have said, “But what sort of silly, simple people are you, that you prefer to be shocked and terrified? However, Christ is alive and has risen from the dead. Therefore it is fitting that you should be happy and that you should not be frightened by anything. For Christ lives that He might live for your good, that you will benefit from Him and that you will be protected from Him and kept safe from all affliction.”
What beautiful, comforting words in an ever-changing world: He is not here. He has risen. As we continue celebrating the season of Easter, ask God how the reality of His resurrection can bring peace, replace fear, and give you strength to face adversity. Allow the joy of His resurrection to spill out of your life as you share this truth with others.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and forevermore.
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