But the angel said to the women, “Fear not, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” – Matthew 28:5

In the Garden of Eden, humanity was created without fear. Tragically, we soon learned the power of fear when we tried to be like God. Fear has been crippling and destroying life in this world ever since.

Then Jesus came. He showed His followers a new way, a way to choose love instead of fear. And then, to the shock and dismay of those same followers, Jesus died. They had begun to hope for a new way of life, a life of freedom and courage, but now they saw only death – the death of their Master, and the death of their hope.

The grieving women who discovered the open tomb three days later didn’t know what to think. They were crippled with fear at the sight of the angel and the open entrance to the grave.

What they didn’t realize was that an amazing reversal had taken place. The tomb was open, not as a place of fear and death, but as a testament to life! Jesus was no longer there! Instead of the open grave reminding people of the death that awaits each of us, it’s now a reminder of the life we all have in Christ Jesus.

An amazing reversal has taken place in our lives as well. Because of Jesus, fear has no power over us anymore! We are alive in Christ, and have His life within us. As Paul writes in Romans 8:11, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”

All through the Bible we hear the Lord of Life telling us we can let go of fear. “Fear not,” the angel said. Jesus is not dead. Hope is not lost. Fear is defeated. Jesus is alive!

Prayer: Thank You Lord, for the victory I have in Jesus. Thank You that His resurrection means I too will rise. Death is defeated, and fear has lost its power over me. All glory be to the Lamb of God!

– Contributed by Pastor Moser