Acting Despite Fear

Right now each of you are stretching your comfort zones and embarking on new adventures. I think this devotional thought is appropriate as a reminder any time.

... [A] severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended.... and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.... And the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus..." Matthew 28:2-5 NAS

A huge stone blocked the entrance and alert soldiers stood guard lest anyone steal the body. [Matt: 27:64-66] The guards knew that there was a controversy involving the body in the tomb. They were looking for danger from people that may try to steal the body. But instead, the perceived danger came from heaven. A severe earthquake occurred, the stone in front of the tomb rolled away, and a fearsome angel appeared. Trained soldiers fell in a dead faint. The women came looking to care for the body of Jesus and were greeted by the angel. The women did not faint but were fearful. After speaking with the angel and seeing for themselves that Jesus was not in the tomb, they remained fearful but also became full of joy.

Shortly thereafter, Jesus appeared to the women and told them "Do not be afraid" and directed them to tell the disciples. The women functioned despite their fear. [Mark 16:10; Luke 24:10; John 20:18] The soldiers, however, continued to act out of fear (and greed) and spread lies rather than admit the truth, which they experienced. [Matt 28:11-15] When something new happens, it is natural to be afraid, even if we have been forewarned. We each need to be encouraged and reminded that our Lord is still in control. The Lord has a mission for each of us and we need to act despite our fears. Now we rejoice in the earthquake and the rolling away of the stone at the Resurrection, but at that time it brought fear to the hearts of those who experienced it first hand.