Text: Matthew 27:57-66, Matthew 28:1-15
My husband is deathly afraid of heights.
His fear only emerges every now and then. At the lake, for instance, when invited to go cliff-jumping with friends, and he declines. Or after finally reaching the summit of a long hike, when I step forward to peer over the edge, and he takes a giant step back. His fear isn’t debilitating—it’s just always there, lingering. So I didn’t anticipate his reaction when I booked our “doors off” helicopter tour over Hawaii.
There we were, safety floatation devices secured, boarding the Hughes 500, which felt more like a toy car than a helicopter. As the propeller sliced through the air and we lifted off, I could barely contain my thrill. My husband, on the other hand, could barely contain his breakfast.
Fear hits us all, sometimes when we least expect it, and sometimes in the exact same place, over and over again—no matter how many times the pilot tells us we’re safe.
In the days after Jesus’ crucifixion, we see how several different groups of people reacted to fear. Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Christ, courageously asked Pilate for Jesus’ body, then wrapped it in linen, and placed it in a tomb he’d previously bought for himself. Jesus’ friends, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, resolved to sit and wait and watch the tomb where Jesus was laid.
Meanwhile, paranoia had overcome the chief of priests and Pharisees. Together, they convinced Pilate to send guards to the tomb—just in case the story wasn’t over. They feared Jesus’ disciples would steal His body and proclaim His resurrection (Matthew 27:57-66).
A crew of centurions was sent to keep watch over the sealed tomb—a boring assignment; mundane work. Standing. Waiting. Guarding the grave of a dead man. What do they think is going to happen here?, they must have thought.
But then, the earth shook. Rocks crumbled. The stone covering the grave rolled back, and an angel of the Lord appeared, his clothes white as lightning. “The guards were so afraid… they shook and became like dead men” (Matthew 28:1-4).
What were they so afraid of?
Maybe they were afraid of the earthquake, and afraid of the stranger strong enough to roll away the stone. Maybe they were afraid of being killed for treason, having lost the body of Jesus, an enemy of the state (Matthew 28:11-15). Maybe it was all of the above.
The centurions were afraid of dying, when the cure for death had been resurrected right in front of them.
Mary and Mary Magdalene encountered this same angel of the Lord. Trembling, they listened as an angel proclaimed that Jesus had defeated death, just as He said He would. He was risen! The story wasn’t over! What did they feel when they heard the news?
“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy…”
-Matthew 28:8
Afraid yet filled with joy. I love those words!
If you are afraid of who God might be, you’re not alone. The story of Jesus’ gruesome death and quaking resurrection should shake us to our core, just as it did the guards at the tomb. But believers have this distinct and extraordinary gift: our fear lives side by side with our joy. He is who He said He is—the very Son of God. What a fearsome, wonderful thought!
On the day of our helicopter ride, my husband was so nervous he couldn’t even look out onto the island thousands of feet below. But as we rode over the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, he saw me—smiling and pointing, unable to contain my enthusiasm—and he could look. Still afraid, yet filled with joy.
Thank you, Jesus, that Your glory is greater than our fear. When the world cowers in fear or tries to explain You away, give us courage to hold out the gospel. For You have defeated death itself. You alone are our joy. Amen.
Claire Gibson is a freelance writer and editor whose work has been featured both locally and nationally in publications including The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and Entrepreneur Magazine. An Army kid who grew up at West Point, New York, Claire is currently growing roots in Nashville, Tennessee. She loves her husband, Patrick, and their dog, Winnie.
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158 thoughts on "Encounters with Christ: The Unbelieving World"
Why is Paul and the road to Damascus not shown in the timeline on page 8 and 9??
What a beautiful reaction to this gospel. Fear can be very debilitating and take away your life. Jesus did the ultimate act of love for all of us and He doesn’t want us to live in fear.
It cut off… how amazing this scene must have been. In the mundane, God can show up in glorious ways. His power is magnificent.
As I read this passage, I never realized there was an earthquake. How glorious this scene must have been and it reminds me that in the mundane, God just might show up.
As I read this passage, I never realized there was an earthquake. Hp
Yes!! This is just another great example of how you cannot be afraid while having faith. We must choose to believe in God we must choose to have faith over fear. Amen this was an amazing word!!! ❤️
I love the guards’ attempt at preparation and am wondering what they would have thought after the whole incident with the angel coming and rolling away the stone. They could have been convicted by that, and maybe even were, but the priests and Pharisees cover up that experience with more fear and encourage deception. I can put myself right into their reactions. Having that desire for control and then acting out in mad fear when I lose it. All in the face of God, who reigns sovereign and who is love Himself. Relying on ourselves gets disorienting very quickly!
We are so limited with our finite minds to explain away things we did not see ourselves. Let’s continue to fight for what we do not see. Believing that Jesus died, was buried & rose again. What great fear and surmountable joy. His very tomb was carved from a rock. An angel of His army uncovered what was hidden. He is the Rock of our Salvation!!
I am encouraged by Matthew 28:8. The image of these faithful women launching into the world to spread the gospel makes me feel a huge connection to the wake of Jesus’s resurrection…it fills me with so much excitement. The world is beloved by God and Jesus came to save us! And he has conquered!!!
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Love this ❤
This was a perfect deletion to start a stronger walk with God
Perfect devo to start my Sunday morning!
As we grow in the grace and intimate knowledge of our Lord, fear of Him subsides and is replaced by an abiding trust, transparency and dependence. He does not gain children by threat…He gains them by love…this is the New Covenant.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
1 John 4:18 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1jn.4.18.esv
I do not usually think of myself as a fearful person, but if I am honest, I hold certain fears so deeply I am afraid to admit them even to myself…. “Do not be afraid…” the angel said. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus told them. More than 20 years ago, I had to ask my husband to leave our home when I found out he was leading a double life that put our family in danger. After a period of separation, I cried out to the Lord. I did not want my children raised without their father. I know confidently that God offered me a choice that night. I asked Him to heal my marriage, and He did. My husband returned, accepted Christ, face down on the floor, and his whole life turned around dramatically. He went to church with us, and even sang with the worship team. Sadly, a few years later, he walked away from God and from the church. I recently asked him what changed so long ago. He said he didn’t think he ever actually believed.
I do not believe a person can change their lives, giving up addictions as if a switch turned off in their hearts, by the power of their own will. I know that God changed his heart, and that only happens by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit! I don’t understand why my husband changed after so many good things began to happen. I hate to admit it, even to myself, but I allowed fear to creep into my heart as a result of that change.
Lord, forgive me! “Do not fear.” I take that very much to heart. I command fear to leave me in the Name of Jesus! The only fear I choose to hold is the awesome fear of God. He alone is to be feared. He has conquered death and fear. Praise Him!
Thank you, Diane. I needed to read your story.
Thank you for reminding me of the awesomeness of the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The amazing act of complete and unselfish love for not just me, but all of humanity. Fear is one of the strongest forces for many including myself. That fear is what keeps me from being who God wants me to be and is also something I use as an excuse not to serve God.
A friend asked her 5 year old son to go down into basement to get a jar of tomato sauce. He hesitated, she told him Jesus was with him. So he opened the door & yelled down & asked Jesus to hand him the sauce. I love the faith of children.
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He will comfort us even if we are in the darknest place in the darkest hour. We shall not be afraid. Why should we if we should know that the Holy Spirit is right beside us the whole day? Every time I am afraid I stop and think. I know the Holy Spirit is watching me and I know that Jesus is here to help me. Love that verse!
I’m confused about this part: The chief of priests and Pharisees thought the disciples could resurrect the Jesus?
They thought the disciples would steal Jesus’ body and claim a resurrection.
“When the world cowers in fear or tries to explain You away, give us the courage to hold out the gospel.” — this, a thousand times this. Amen and amen.
Fear is my one word for 2016. This has given me a greater understanding of true fear! I have been truly blessed today by God’s word and I rejoice!
Lord thank you that in the midst of fear, there is still joy. Joy that is only found in you!
This scripture and devotional really brings the truth of Jesus’ resurrection to life in a whole new light!<3 I love these studies so much I can't wait for the life of Moses to start! newlightunderstanding
Thank you for this awesome devotional! It gave me a deeper understanding of the
The concept of fearing the Lord!
Just said a prayer for you. We have similar stories. My first prpregnancy was a
Sending you prayers as you continue on this journey
I am a couple of days behind in starting this, but this passage is so true for me. SRT Sisters- PLEASE keep me in your prayers. I am afraid and filled with joy. I have had 2 miscarriages in the past, and one was certainly a blighted ovum (Google). Last week I found out I am pregnant. Telling the father to be was difficult, so I’m praying he will be on board and supportive. Even more than that, please pray for a healthy pregnancy. Yesterday I went for bloodwork and my prayers were answered! I had an initial hCG level (the pregnancy hormone) of 66 on 3/23/16, which confirmed the pregnancy. Yesterday, 3/29/16, my hCG level surpassed where I thought it “should” be (I had guessed the 500s), but it was at 1,842!!! I was able to schedule my first OB appointment and ultrasound on April 14 and I need every prayer you have. I am AFRAID of this first ultrasound because during my first pregnancy, that was when I was told I had a blighted ovum (gestational sac with nothing fetal inside of it), and I am afraid of that happening again. PLEASE pray for this baby to be developing normally and the five medications I’m on to be doing everything they need to do to help and PLEASE pray that my ultrasound be normal on April 14. Thanks in advance and God Bless you all!
Prayers for your anxiety and a healthy pregnancy.
Praying!!!
Praying for peace and for a healthy, happy pregnancy. God bless.
Hi Chelsey! I’m praying for you tonight as I go to bed.. I understand what you are feeling because I too, was recently found to be 6weeks pregnant. My history of previous miscarriage plants a seed of fear and doubt in my heart, but by God’s grace, my husband and I are fighting together in FAITH, holding on to God’s will and promises abour pregnancy and childbirth… I am reading this book called SUPERNATURAL CHILDBIRTH and it has helped me so much to stand on God’s Word and let His promises take away my fears. I would love to share a copy of this book to you, if you are interested, pls email me [email protected] …
Praying for you
I recently read an article that said Happiness and Joy, although are thought of as the same emotion, are actually very different. Happiness is an outward expression while joy is an inward decision. Similar to our faith and belief in christ. Christ is in us all, we have to make the inward choice to have choose him as our savior, even when we are afraid and have fear of the unknow. Everyday choose to be filled with Joy, for you have your savior Jesus, fear less and love one another more.
Thanks for sharing!
As I thought about those words ” afraid yet filled with joy”, I was reminded of a fearful, life changing time in my own life. As followers of Christ I think we fall into believing that if your a believer you wont have fears or be afraid, we should put on a brave face. The truth is fear will always come but we remember,in those times, Gods promises which produces hope which produces joy and peace. That is the resurrected life we live, not alone anymore in our fears. We have One who runs to meet us and he relieves our fears by his grace. His amazing grace. I love Him!!!!
SRT team, I am loving the new study books with the reflection questions! I feel like I got so much out of today’s study because of the prompting. I especially liked the last question: “How do we try to explain away the resurrected Christ?” Before even reading this response from Claire, I immediately thought about how my worries and anxiety are a passive and subtle form of disbelief in the resurrection. If I really believe, then I have nothing at all to worry about in my daily life, because the big picture is that my sins have been atoned for, and Jesus conquered my own death. Such a powerful realization!
I didn’t see any discussion questions. Where are those? I’m new to this.
I am so hopeful and full of joy about a new season in my life, but I am constantly plagued with thoughts of what might go wrong. I am afraid, yet filled with joy and have wondered how I can be so happy but still let these doubts seep in. I am starting to see I just have to press on through the scariness.
I’ve felt this so many times in life! Thank you Lord for the revelation.
I love this goodness. What a good reminder!
I got chills while reading the verse “afraid yet filled with joy” and I am so extremely happy to see so many others felt the same way!! I am so astonished by the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ!! He is risen!
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy…” -Matthew 28:8 Afraid yet filled with joy.
I love those words!
I love this – when it comes time to do what God calls you to do….do it afraid! I find strength in knowing that even when I’m convinced I can’t, not only can I do it but I’ll find joy in doing it!
I really connected to today writing. Afraid but filled with Joy!! So many times I have shaken in fear. I have allowed it to keep me back from what I know God had for me. I think of kids learning to walk, that first perilous store followed by another. Then. Another. Then letting go!! And then the stumble run and laughter. Sometimes. I realize today. The joy comes when we pass through the fear and let go!
Great connection between fear and joy. Often times I feel inadequate because of the fear I often feel. God does call us to be fearless. scripture tells us this. Maybe this is a work in progress that comes when we have this joy accompanying our fear. Putting feet on it; praising God in my moments of fear throughout this week. Giving him glory even when I become afraid.
Feeling blessed this evening by the concept of my fear being accompanied by joy… and the joy of the Lord is certainly stronger than anything I am afraid of.
So I am new to this. And I love reading the bible about things I didn’t know is it worth t to buy all the
Devotions
devotions
Hi Allie! I buy the devos because I like to read on my iPad,
Oops..lol. But, you can always read at shereadstruth.com for no charge.
Yes! I love it because it’s quick and easy to get to aside from the fact that the material and messages are wonderful and easy to read and relate to!!
This was so beautiful and awe-inspiring. Thank you for writing it. ❤️❤️
This has really hit home for me. I’ve known people in who have passes away at young ages, one of which, made sure she made amends with her father and was baptized a few weeks beforw she died. Each of these situations scraped my heart with fear. I believed that if I tried to live right, I would be the next one to go, but now I know, that the enemy beat me with that for years. Sure he wants us all to be so frozen in our fear that we do not reach our full potential.
Enough is enough! I will not allow fear to govern my lifw anymore. God gave his best for me. Mary lost her only son so that I can live. And I will!!!!!
I was just talking to my husband about this Scripture last night and the profoundly true and accurate description of Jesus words. (Seems like He knew how it felt! ;) Imagine that.)
34“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.
I thought of it again after today’s reading. We so easily become weighted down with worry (fear!) & being self-absorbed (dissipation) is a tremendously heavy ball and chain, dragging us down to the bottom quick as ever! we slip into a trance almost, and forget reality.
Oh, God shake up my heart when this becomes my state of being! Help us all resist the drawing of our flesh and this world to grow in affection for ANYTHING but our truest heart’s desire. It’s You. It always will be, but the deceiver waits and preys upon us. Weigh us down with peace and joy overflowing, JUST as you desire!
Thank you for this- Luke 21:34. Needed to hear this precisely today-
Amen!!!!!!!
This is just beautiful! I know we all feel this at one moment or another… Praise his holy name!
What a blessing to read all the comments. I often feel caught up in the mundane of life, missing the joy of a resurrected Savior. Will I be ready when he returns. Will I have done my best for Jesus! Will I be bold!
Good points of reflection,mthank you.
I know fear well. All too often, it holds me captive. Keeps me stuck. Prevents me from embracing the full, abundant life that stretches before me. I have prayed and prayed and prayed to be released from this fear, delivered from its anxieties…
But I am learning – in the thick of it – that I have ALREADY been delivered. I have ALREADY been set free, released from anything and everything that seeks to hold me back.
Because Jesus accomplished it all – He lived, died, and was resurrected so that I could be eternally free! My circumstances may not change. Fear and anxiety may try to overwhelm and consume me. Yet there IS joy because He has delivered me. He has set me free. I have full life in Him because of His sacrifice. Not sometime in the future when all this fear melts away or the anxieties magically disappear, but RIGHT NOW in this very moment I am free.
He is the reason I can choose joy in the midst of fear or worry. He is the abundant grace and faithful love over all of my days.
Beverly, I love your tenacity to take hold of what Christ has given us! I understand all too well the place you have come from. Praise God! We are free in Him, indeed! Thank you for sharing!
Love to you friend! Loved your words … “Yet there IS joy because He has delivered me. He has set me free.” Awesome!
Amen…Already done…Jesus paid it all…Amen..
Love and Easter greetings to you Beverly..x
Thank you Lord that your PERFECT love casts out ALL fear
http://www.in-due-time.com
He is risen! Such absolute joy and an honor that he willingly died for every one of us. Such love and devotion to all. Praise God!
I love the last paragraph so so much. I am competing in Miss Louisiana this June, and my platform is Beauty from Ashes, showing women their true value comes from Christ. Often times I get filled with this fear thinking about explaining my platform to bring up Christ in front of the judges or I feel everyone just wants to ‘explain Him away’. The reality is for a lot of us, we need to remember the joy we will experience conquering our tiny fears and sharing the gospel, instead of conforming to the world. We must decrease so He can increase.
Amen!! my friend is a missionary to Brazil but also a dancer she told me that she had found it difficult to say to her dancer friends why she was going to Brazil but one day she boldly said – because I am going to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ- when she said that everyone wanted to know what that meant and they thought it was amazing that she was going to preach the word to the lost so far away ! She said I will not keep silent anymore – she really inspired and challenged me ! I pray your strength and boldness hun – Don’t stay silent!!!
Haley, I competed in Miss Hawaii a few years ago and one of my biggest regrets was not telling the other contestants earlier that I was a Christian. Just days before the pageant I found out about several other contestants who were Christians. All this time we could have been fellowshipping with one another and sharing the good news to the other girls. Remember it’s not so much about what you do or say on stage, but about the relationships you build and the example you are to the other girls. They may be contestants, but God has you there for far greater things. I wish you all the best and enjoy your journey!
Megan, thank you so much for that reply! It’s ironic (but really more from God) that you competed in Miss Hawaii, because I was in Hawaii a week ago for a mission’s trip. Your response has truly been a blessing!
Jesus died to give us abundant life, a life filled with joy in our Savior. But we can’t live to the fullness of a life with Jesus if we live in constant fear. What we fear the most is where we trust God the least. I pray that we all be women who choose to trust God even when our circumstances are frightening. Let us choose the leap for joy over our risen King!
“Where we fear the most is where we trust God the least.” Exactly what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you for sharing!
Yes. Thank you.
I love this idea of fear and joy living side-by-side! As someone who has struggled with fear/anxiety, I have found that the best way to overcome is to just find the joy in the situation and choose the joy amidst the fear. Thank you for sharing!
Yes! So grateful you commented today, Melody!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Thank you for that reminder I am suffering with anxiety in my job and praying that I too will find joy in the midst of every situation!
Jesus must love us a lot to die for us and rise for us. He didn’t do it for Himself, He did it just for you and me❤️
Amen, Madi! So grateful for this truth!
xoxo-Kaitlin
This was so needed! I have always been a little confused with what a ‘healthy’ fear of the Lord looks like, especially because we serve such a merciful, loving God. But today’s reading reminded me that he is strength and power alongside loving and kind, and his defeat over death should leave us in awe. Thank you for reminding us today that in our awe, in our amazement of God we can have Joy as his children.
Today’s prayer was so meaningful. The truth that God’s glory is greater than my fear – what a freeing thing. And that we can HOLD OUT the gospel to others, who are afraid or even hostile — that gives me such courage and hope when I think about how to lovingly and boldly share Jesus with those who don’t know Him.
I started out the year, making myself to read the bible with breakfast again, because I’d fallen away from this “habit” that I wanted to foster. it didn’t feel natural, it was forced. I was FEARFUL of feeling like I was broken for not wanting this by default, I think.
so something happened and it became habit… and then lent came, and I began reading the plan over here, and it reminded me to be grateful for this routine, and grateful for so much more in general. this morning, I got up, excited to buy this next reading plan. I’m so grateful that I found this habit to bring me JOY, and grateful for the anticipation that breakfast+reading can bring me. thank you, Jesus, for working in me.
Kristine, thank you so much for sharing this with us today! So grateful to hear God is meeting you in His Word each day. What a joy!
xoxo-Kaitlin
thank you, Kaitlin, I’m so blessed by the way you and the SRT team witness and give lots to the Christian women joining in on the studies!!!
Amen! He is Risen and lives so that I may live! I really needed these words today! A year ago I had a kidney transplant, and often fear tries to creep in and tell me I won’t live! But the empty tomb says otherwise!
Only the believers had joy and fear : the unbelievers had only fear
“Afraid yet filled with joy…” I’ve been there so many times! (And I’m terribly afraid of heights, too.) Love these studies. They help me stay focused on what matters most.
He Lives
Glory
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9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
I love the simplicity in Jesus’ greeting. After everything that happened, it was as if He was saying hi to His friends like He never left. This too, makes Him more approachable, reachable, admirable.
He knows His friends just like He knows us. He knows that we will inevitably experience fear. But because He loves us so much, He gives us the opportunity to feel joy as well. It is truly a gift. One that we might not see if the challenge or valley seems like it’s going on forever, but if we can hang on even if we do grapple with human emotion, we will see joy in the morning.
I pray that in these days after the Resurrection, we keep that joy of His promise in forefront of our minds.
Day one was so fitting today as I prepare to leave Friday for a week-long mission trip. I have so much fear and anxiety with the unknown. Leaving my two boys, my country, and my comfort consumes my thoughts at night. My joy is that during this trip I have many encounters with Christ. It will be a life altering experience.
God resurrected love for me this week. Thank you for your story and putting to words what I feel in my heart.
Thanks for joining us, Heather! So grateful to have you in the SRT community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Today has its challenges but I will focus on the promises made by Jesus. He has overcome death and made it so we can too. He is my truth.
Sometimes I suffer from anxiety, but as I began reading today’s scriptures I sensed His presence wash over me, unknotting the tension in my stomach. And that’s before I really even dug into today’s message. God’s word truly is our daily bread. Thank you Jesus for that peace that passes all understanding- for the reminders to not be afraid.
I also have terrible anxiety sometimes. Last night I was excited to start this new study that I read today’s reading before I went to bed. “Do not be afraid.” Is something I constantly need to be reminded of. I am saving this image for later!
I loved responding to the prompts on today’s reflection page in the devo book! That is, until I got down to the last question “Are there any truths you hold as truer than Christ’s resurrection?” Honestly, after coming off of this great Easter weekend celebration my first thought was “Nope!”. But I decided to sit on that question for awhile.
In my everyday, mundane, wife-and-momma life – the resurrection tends to slip back into that part of my heart where true things reside but they don’t change my reality. However what does come screaming to the forefront of my thoughts and heart is anxiety about people, worry about job situations, control over my health and family, exhaustion, pain, bitterness – these feelings aren’t half as true as the resurrection and yet I live out my moments as if they are. I allow these feelings and even valid hurts to change the reality I live in.
I know the resurrection is true but if I really lived out my moments in the reality that my Savior conquered death and rose from the grave – would I allow anxiety, worry, bitterness, pain and exhaustion to rule my life? Or would I live a life of surrender and faith because I know the power of my God? Would I be so concerned about my own comforts or would I live in the gratitude of my salvation? I’m definitely convicted today to live in the real truth of the resurrection and not the simulated truth of my emotions.
Rachel your words and thoughts today are powerful and have convicted me as well. I could have been writing those words about myself–so often overcome by my own thoughts of worry, fear, frustration, pride, comparison (the list could go on and on). Thank you for sharing today. This was something I needed to hear. Praying that we will both live in the light and truth of the resurrection and our Lord’s enormous sovereignty.
Thanks for your thoughts, Rachel! So good!
Your words completely resonated with me. <3 God bless you sister!
Can I just say Rachel I was sitting reading and writing my answers on the Reflection page I came to the last question and did not know what it was asking and I looked under the comments and your comment was amazing. Thank you for sharing. Its so so true If we rest in Him we could show our family children friends The Lord gift of Peace…. I thank you for sharing
What a great response! I was struggling to put thoughts to words. But you put it very well here. Thank you!
Wow Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this. Very powerful words!!
Yes!
Amen.
Pondering today how this day, the day after celebrating the resurrection, should be like our “New Years Day”. A day to begin those resolutions of living free of what binds us because if we truly believe in the purpose and power of what was accomplished, what/who can be against us? So rather than setting goals to live free and better because the calendar says so, I choose to walk renewed and free because the Son has said I am! Bless. ❤️
Amen!
Thank you for this!
So true!
Who saw Jesus first? From the text I thought it was the 2 Mary’s. But the first question in the book makes it seem like it might have been the 2 guards?
Wow amen!! “You glory is far greater than any fear we have.” These words hit me right in the heart and just what I needed to hear. I will not let my fears overcome the joy of Christ in my life? Thank you so much, Claire for sharing!
Thank you so much. I am right there with you. Fear is powerful — but his joy is greater!
I’m thinking back this morning to the sermon I heard yesterday at church, “Love’s Last Word”. Jesus says tenderly, “Don’t be afraid”. This is Love’s last word: He has triumphed over death, and now we live in His victory. We can know that no matter how afraid we feel, He is bigger than our fear, and we rest in Him.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m going to print your comments and post them on my wall. You put this so eloquently- Love’s last word… May we hold tight to His Glory when fear tries to grasp our heart and mind.
This was also the lesson for church on yesterday “Do not be afraid but go out and tell the world He is risen” Joy and fear are two things I find the hardest to deal with in life, I want for nothing that my Lord has not provided but he makes a way. I’m incomplete as I’m just another single mother raising for kids with no father/husband to turn to when I need that protection that feeling of love and safety. My fear is being alone. But I try my best to be joyful aand thankful that I have Jesus but the road ahead is what I look forward too, what he has planned but the road behind me is what has brought the fear. I feel as if I just release my past and push forward I will be resuureccted and rise again and to fear not the road ahead; I believe my king will walk and walks with me daily. This is not a journey I will take alone; I will continue to do my best and Fear Not like the angel said.
LeAnn – I have been where you are and have come out the other side. Be encouraged! You are not alone! You have a Rock, a Strong Tower, a Shield…and your children have the Perfect Father. Cling to His promises and His Truth. Keep things as simple as possible, continually ask for your “daily bread” and watch what happens! Miracles and blessings and joy to be found every single day! Fix your eyes on The One who loves you and your children more than you will ever know!
Oh how my heart and soul needed to read these sweet words from scripture and this post. I feel like I am in a place in my life where fear seems to be overwhelming everything. How comforting to know that alongside my fear, I can have joy and go forth in joy knowing that God is who He says He is. He will not disappoint. If I am being honest, many times I am fearful that He will not follow through on His promises. But we know that He is not slack concerning His promises… our Hope and future are made secure in Him, because of what He did for us on the cross and how He rose from the dead, proclaiming victory over death itself. So thankful for being able to read this truth and preach it to myself this morning, no matter what things I am fearing.
As I’m reading this I’m thinking I need to pray more for the unbelievers around me because only God can save them. The guards knew his body wasn’t stolen away – they knew the truth, yet still accepted the bribe. I can not convince people under my own power that Christ is risen. I must pray and leave the work to Him.
So true!! Sometimes I forget that many people “know” the truth but they choose not to believe.
Great words, Edy!
“afraid yet filled with joy” vs 8. I have read this passage many times but these words have never really spoken to me as much as today. Thank you for pointing them out in such a beautiful way.
Me too! I have no idea why these words never stuck out to me as they have this morning. I am tears reading this devotional
it was the same for me when I read it — like reading it for the first time. There is so much hope and understanding in those words. we don’t have to be just joyful robots. God understands that we live in a dangerous world with all kinds of reasons to feel afraid. But we also get to feel joy! We get the fuller, wider experience. Glad it spoke to you both the way it did to me.
I really enjoyed today’s study. The thought of fear and joy going hand in hand never crossed my mind.
The last time we were sent to the basement in the middle of a storm, our middle child confessed that she was happy to be there, that she was enjoying the time. Stunned, I inquired further and she explained that it became special to her because we are all together, playing talking, waiting it out. She genuinely meant it. She laughed a great deal that night and seemed to not worry too greatly about the going ons outside, in fact, she worked hard to console her brother’s heart in the midst. This girl, the same one that suffered anxieties, the one who would shake, scream and cry her way through storms before became the one dealing the most “happy” instead. She had realized something powerful, let it seep into her heart … though the storm lingers, there can still be joy. She learned that she couldn’t control what was happening on the other side of our walls but she could focus on the time spent together and the excitement in the middle of chaos. Her joy and peace illuminating a place one very dark for her.
Life with Christ is a reality very similar. Our human nature may drive us to fearful thinking and worry based behaviors but Christ stands on the other side of our dead places waiting. While we may resort to living in the cold, dark tombs of our troubles, imprisoned by the heavy stone of our dread, Jesus’ power rolls away that stone bringing light to our captive hearts so that we have the power to stand up from our lurid places and walk through that door too; from dark to light, from fear to joy, from contempt to love. Prayerful that we walk resurrected with Christ in new life not just today, but every day.
Your comment spoke to my heart, thank you!
This was lovely. Thank you.
This is so good. Thank you.
“While we may resort to living in the cold, dark tombs of our troubles, imprisoned by the heavy stone of our dread, Jesus’ power rolls away that stone bringing light to our captive hearts so that we have the power to stand up from our lurid places and walk through that door, too; from dark to light, from fear to joy, from contempt to love.” Beautifully put, B! Thank you!
“…though the storm lingers, there can still be joy… Christ stands on the other side of our dead places waiting.” Great truths, B. He is always there, here with me, ready and waiting for me to let go of those dead places. To embrace the joy of new life amidst the fear of fully surrendering. Praying, too, that I can walk the resurrected life WITH Christ every day!
“afraid yet filled with joy” love this.
Fear is something I struggle with. I was interested to hear recently that the bible says; For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16) Interestingly my struggle with fear made me doubt if God was with me. This scripture touched my heart and so did the bible study. I may still feel fear, rational or irrational, but I am not a slave to fear. It doesn’t control me. I still follow a risen savior with or without anxiety. He tells us not to be afraid. He also tells us not to be a slave again to fear. Not to let it be our master.
Amen Sarah!!! Thanks for sharing these words with us.
Oh, one other thing… The chief priests and the elders call Jesus “this deceiver.” Yet, with their plot with the soldiers they themselves became the great deceivers. Fear prompted the greatest lie.
We can have joy in the midst of fear because of Christ. We can be sure of His promises. Like Kathy said, the resurrection is the greatest promise God made and kept. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf” (Heb. 6:19-20).
A sweet joy this morning to crack open this latest SRT study guide – even the smell of these fresh pages is a delight. But the greater joy is to open God’s Word with you all and see where this journey will take us: the Scriptures to meditate over, the devotion to ponder, the comments to join us in shared experience. Deep breath. Exhale. How inspiring to begin by looking at how several people post-crucifixion responded to fear. Indeed, it is a fearful thing to come into the presence of our powerful and holy God. Those who knew Him well and those who misunderstood and those who rejected – all had to come to grips with “He is Who He said He is.” Reaction? Awe and joy or paranoia and deathly fear. Our reaction is based on how well we know Him. We get to decide whether to fall into His loving arms or stand at a distance in fear and disbelief. His arms are always extended towards us. We need only take that first step towards Him. Fear turns to joy. In that moment. Praying they no one would hesitate. That all would run to His arms. He’s waiting.
❤️ beautifully said! ❤️
“Our reaction is based on how well we know Him.” Love this.
Claire, this was so good! I love you!
Thanks Jana :)
Such joy knowing that He came for me, died and was raised again, even in my unbelief! He came for ALL, His followers, those that loved Him; even those that called Him blasphemous. What love is this that He would come and die to be raised to life for the same ones that sent Him to the cross, most specifically me. Holy fear of Him accompanied by great joy can go hand in hand when seeing the empty tomb!
Here are the things I keep coming back to as I ponder the Resurrection. The first is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the absolute bedrock of my faith. Paul says, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins…If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Cor. 15:14, 17, 19)
The second is this – think of the power it took to raise Christ from the dead. We have been promised that same power. “…and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 1:19-20)
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the greatest promise God ever made and kept. If He will keep that promise then He’ll keep all the promises He’s made to us. We have power to live the abundant, joyful life He promised us. We have His promise of being with us always. We have His promise of grace and mercy. And, we have His promise that one day He’s coming back!
Have a blessed day, Sisters!
This is what I keep thinking too. He came for us the first time, he freed all those who had died and believed before Him so He will most certainly come back for us. The wait seems so long sometimes. Yet so many before us – David, Noah, Abraham-were waiting for Him too. And He came for them. This gives me great joy and reassurance that He will return for ALL His children one day. Fear and joy all wrapped up in one event for the Christian. Thanks for your encouraging words.
❤️ This comment really blessed me this AM! Thx!
Yes… The bedrock of our faith is the stone rolled away and Christ alive!
He is alive!
He is risen!!! Praise the Lord!!
A few years ago I had a terribly painful rupture with my closest friend. It was remedied with time and patience and tears, as such things generally are, but for more than a year afterwards it kept bothering me. I couldn’t stop picking at it. When I was with my friend, I’d have to say, “hey, remember that thing? I am so sorry,” and they’d say, “I love you. I’m sorry too. It will never happen again,” and every time I’d have the same overwhelming feeling of joy and relief.
I kept going to the tomb, and the tomb was empty. Oh, the tomb was empty.
I see the work of Christ in every renewal of love, every moment that faith might have been broken but wasn’t, every promise that is kept instead of abandoned.
We worship a Resurrected God but also a God Who Resurrects — a God Of Resurrection. I can’t contain my gratitude for that empty tomb, for the unbroken love of Christ, for the Great Resurrection that has redeemed me — and the smaller resurrections that continue to heal me.
Beautiful analogy. ♥
Yes! The every day resurrections … Love this!
Perfect. Thank you for sharing this.
“The smaller resurrections” – what a beautiful perspective. This really helped me apply the saving work and power of the resurrection in Jesus Christ to my life in a real, down and dirty, digestible way. I am always seeking more of that, more ways to understand the power of what Jesus did in tangible ways each minute of every day. Thank you for sharing your story, Rosemary.
❤️
Thank you for these anointed words!
I serve a risen Savior! Hallelujah!