When Christ was born in Bethlehem, do you remember what the angel announced to the frightened shepherds? “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
When Jesus walked on the rough waters in the middle of the night, do you remember what He told the terrified disciples? “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27).
On the night He was betrayed, do you remember the words the Lord softly spoke to His apostles? “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen,” the angel proclaimed to the startled women, all while the hardened guards trembled nearby that Sunday morning (Matt. 28:5-6).
John similarly fell down like a dead man upon seeing a stunning vision of Christ in the Bible’s last book: “But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev. 1:17-18).
In every instance, there was so much to fear. These people lived in a world gripped with sin and death. Illness, injustice, poverty, and danger were everywhere. Their fears were real and rational; but there was Jesus. His arrival meant they no longer had to be afraid. He is holy: He always does right, no matter who you are. He is powerful: even death cannot stop Him. He is love: as we tremble, He gently reaches out and reminds us to “fear not.”
And He is here. If you have put your faith in Him – if you have followed Him in dying to yourself, being buried in baptism, and living a new life for Him – He is with you! He was with you before you ever heard of a “coronavirus”, and He will be with you long after election day. He knows what you need to live, and He loves your young children or elderly parents even more than you do. You do not face your very real fears alone.
So, take heart: Jesus is here. Do not be afraid.
There are so many reasons to be afraid right now. Because we are with Jesus, we do not have to be. Check out our sermon series “Do Not Be Afraid” to learn more!