Apr 05 – Do Not Be Afraid!

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid…’ ” (Matthew 28:10).

Beloved members of Antantulla Appam family, I joyfully extend my joyful Resurrection Day greetings to you in the sweet name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

During His days on earth, Jesus Christ preached many sermons and spoke many comforting words. Several times He told His disciples and believers, “Do not be afraid.” Yet the words “Do not be afraid” that He spoke to His disciples after His resurrection carry a special power and comfort.

Look at the risen Jesus. He alone has conquered death and overcome the grave. He alone has crushed the head of the enemy. When He says, “Do not be afraid,” we no longer need to fear death, the grave, or Satan.

When worldly leaders or authorities say, “Do not be afraid,” the benefit of their words is very limited. At best, they may relieve us from certain earthly fears for a short time. But they cannot deliver humanity from Satan, from the power of the grave, or from death itself.

But look at the risen Savior who says, “Do not be afraid.” He stands like a mighty warrior and a commanding leader. As the King of kings, possessing all authority in heaven and on earth, He declares, “Do not be afraid.” Lord Jesus alone has such supreme authority and power, who can truly comfort the whole humanity with those words.

A person is afraid when he does not experience the presence of God; or when he cannot face circumstances with divine strength. This is exactly what happened to the disciples. When Jesus was crucified and died, they thought everything had come to an end. They were troubled and distressed because they did not fully understand the identity of the Saviour that they followed.

But Jesus came near them, stood before them as the risen Lord, and comforted them saying, “Do not be afraid.”

Earlier, Jesus lived among them in a physical body. Because of that, He could be present in only one place at a time. But now, having risen from the dead, He is present in the Spirit and can be everywhere at once. He can comfort people all over the world simultaneously. Whether it is day or night, He can strengthen and console us at all times.

Children of God, because the living, risen Lord is with you, may you live without fear and with joy.

Verse for further meditation: “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:17–18).