Fear Factor
This morning as I was reading the resurrection story again from Matthew the “Fear Factor” jumped out at me. In fact, Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the presence of fear among those who came to the tomb early that morning. The following verses from The Message indicate how easily it would be to feel unsettled to say the least:
“Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move” (Matthew 28:2-4).
The best of us would be frightened in that situation, don’t you think? There was no point of reference to any experience they had ever had before. They were gobsmacked! Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord spoke to the followers of Jesus and said, “Do not be afraid.”
The two truths I discovered this morning were: 1. God’s plan is often brought about in unsettling times. Throughout the Bible God’s power and will are frequently displayed in tumultuous ways. Noah had to have been frightened. David had to have been a little knock-kneed facing Goliath. Jonah was obviously terrified. Jesus’ disciples were so frightened they all ran away. Nevertheless, God’s plan was being worked out. In those times we are faced with a choice – Do we trust God enough to stand firm and watch His plan unfold or does the “Fear Factor” render us immovable like dead men? 2. The guards were armed with secular authority and weapons of destruction, but were incapacitated by fear. The followers of Christ heard the words spoken from the angel of the Lord, “There is nothing to fear here.” They had to come to grips with the divine, phenomenal event that was unfolding before them, but with God’s help and assurance they were able to continue walking in God’s plan.
What is causing you fear and anxiety these days? What has completely stressed you out? How deep is your trust reserve in the Lord? Hear Him say, “There is nothing to fear here,” and allow Him to be at work in your life. He loves you deeply. He will never abandon you. He will never let you fall at the hand of the enemy. The power of the risen Christ is at work in you. Stand firm.
Blessings!
Pastor Gary
“Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move” (Matthew 28:2-4).
The best of us would be frightened in that situation, don’t you think? There was no point of reference to any experience they had ever had before. They were gobsmacked! Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord spoke to the followers of Jesus and said, “Do not be afraid.”
The two truths I discovered this morning were: 1. God’s plan is often brought about in unsettling times. Throughout the Bible God’s power and will are frequently displayed in tumultuous ways. Noah had to have been frightened. David had to have been a little knock-kneed facing Goliath. Jonah was obviously terrified. Jesus’ disciples were so frightened they all ran away. Nevertheless, God’s plan was being worked out. In those times we are faced with a choice – Do we trust God enough to stand firm and watch His plan unfold or does the “Fear Factor” render us immovable like dead men? 2. The guards were armed with secular authority and weapons of destruction, but were incapacitated by fear. The followers of Christ heard the words spoken from the angel of the Lord, “There is nothing to fear here.” They had to come to grips with the divine, phenomenal event that was unfolding before them, but with God’s help and assurance they were able to continue walking in God’s plan.
What is causing you fear and anxiety these days? What has completely stressed you out? How deep is your trust reserve in the Lord? Hear Him say, “There is nothing to fear here,” and allow Him to be at work in your life. He loves you deeply. He will never abandon you. He will never let you fall at the hand of the enemy. The power of the risen Christ is at work in you. Stand firm.
Blessings!
Pastor Gary
David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; He's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the Land of Hope. I know You'll never dump me in Hades; I'll never even smell the stench of death. You've got my feet on the life-path, with Your face shining sun-joy all around.
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