Full of fear
Full of fear, the women bowed to the ground, as the men said to them, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.”‘ (verses 5-7)
Read Luke 23:56b – 24:12
They had come to anoint Jesus’ body with spices and perfume. But when they got there, the stone had been rolled away and his body was gone. They were puzzled. Then two men in bright shining clothes stood there before them. No wonder their bewilderment turned to fear. Instead of the dead body of their Lord there were two heavenly beings – very much alive – before them. But then their fear turned to amazement and joy. Why the change?
It was because the word of the Lord was spoken to them. And, as ever, the word of the Lord changed things. The fear of the women turned to joy and amazement because, as they heard the word of the Lord, they responded in faith. They heard and they believed.
When we are faced with fear, we too can respond in faith to the word of the Lord. That word says, ‘And I will be with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20).
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your word. Tum my fear to joy-joy in the salvation you have won for me. Amen.
by Greg Graham, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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