“The women were breathless and terrified, until the angel said to them, ‘There’s no reason to be afraid. I know you’re here looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here-he has risen victoriously, just as he said! Come inside the tomb and see the place where our Lord was lying. Then run and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead! I give you his message: ‘I am going ahead of you in Galilee, and you will see me there.’ They rushed quickly to tell his disciples, and their hearts were deep in wonder and filled with joy. Along the way, Jesus suddenly appeared in front of them and said, ‘Rejoice!’ They were so overwhelmed by seeing him that they bowed down and grasped his feet in adoring worship. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Throw off all your fears. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will find me there.”‘ Matthew 28:5-10 TPT
Have you ever imagined yourself being in the place of the women who arrived at the tomb early on that historical morning? The stone rolled away, the tomb empty, with an angel explaining what had happened, giving them instructions as to where they were to go, and what they were to say, that being a little more than they could comprehend. It stands to reason that most of us would have been devastated and possibly, like them, filled with fear, especially after all they had witnessed in the preceding days.
In this passage, Matthew is presenting us with the reason we are to rejoice this season of the year. The fact that Jesus is alive. Of course, these women were not prepared for the scene that confronted them. Therefore, fear instantly flooded their very being until their Master appeared in front of them. Their fear was turned to joy as He began to speak in reassurance. Today, we can have this same reassurance, with our fears being turned into joy, as we seek Him in the asking.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that Perfect Love, Jesus, drives out fear, and that death is swallowed up in victory, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret