Morning Moments with God: Day 123 (Matthew 28)

                             
Day 123: Do Not Be Afraid

Please read the Bible verses for today:

Matthew 28: 1-10

Jesus Has Risen

28 "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb." (Matthew 28:1) 

In reading this account in the three other Gospels it appears that Mary and Mary did not know that Joseph and Nicodemus had anointed Jesus' body.  They had brought spices to embalm Him. 

2 "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men." (Matthew 28:2-4) 

Matthew was the only writer who wrote about the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb, and so here we see the effect of the angel of the Lord had on them. 

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 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.” (Matthew 28:5-7) 

I love that the very first words of the angel are, "Do not be afraid..." In this instance, the angel is saying, 'Do not be afraid, it may all appear scary or fearful, but there is good news. Jesus has risen from the dead. He is not here and that is a good thing! You will see Him soon." So many times my thoughts get ahead of me and I am filled with fear. I imagine the worst situations and become fearful. Then I hear the words, "Do not be afraid." My heart finds peace. I may not know how everything will work out, but I know God does and I can trust Him. 

8 "So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:8-10) 

Jesus greets them and puts their hearts at ease. "Do not be afraid... I am here. Do not worry. I have a plan. I am God. Be at peace and trust in me." 

Pray with me:

Jesus, thank you. Thank you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for defeating death. Thank you for having a plan and telling me not to worry. Forgive me for the many times I become anxious and worried and fearful. Help me to trust you. You are my God and I worship you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.