Matthew 28:1-10 NLT
Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nothing can stop Jesus from resurrecting. The first Word that came out of the mouth of Jesus Christ after resurrection is not God bless you, it’s not you are healed, it’s not I will prosper you. The first Word that came out of His mouth is DO NOT BE AFRAID. Do not be afraid of the dark, turn on the light. Jesus wants us to be delivered from fear. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, But of power, love, and self-discipline [2 Timothy 1:7].
There are more than 300 verses in the New Testament alone referring to the Resurrection of Jesus. That’s how significant it is. The resurrection is the central message of the gospel. Without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith is the most useless faith there is (1 Corinthians 15:12-19 NLT.
God commanded the patriarchs not to be afraid. God told Abraham, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great” [Genesis 15:1]. He told Isaac, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation [Genesis 26:24]. He told Jacob, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation [Genesis 46:2-4a]. Fear is anti faith. When you are afraid it paralyzes you but if you have faith it revolutionizes you.
There are three (3) points why we need not be afraid. First, DO NOT BE AFRAID, VICTORY IS YOURS. When God gave victory, it’s 100% victory. The moment you receive Jesus as your Lord, victory is forever yours. No sickness, no death, no hell, nothing can separate you from the love of God. But the Lord told me, ‘Do not be afraid of him, for I have given you victory… [Deuteronomy 3:2a]. Do not be afraid…; for the Lord your God will fight for you [Deuteronomy 3:22]. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you. Do not be afraid or discouraged [2 Chronicles 20:17]. Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them [Joshua 10:8].
Second, DO NOT BE AFRAID, GOD’S PRESENCE IS WITH YOU. God will personally hold your hand. Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you [Deuteronomy 31:6]. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you [Deuteronomy 31:8]. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go [Joshua 1:9]. You just have to believe.
Third, DO NOT BE AFRAID, SUCCESS IS ALL YOURS. For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart! [1 Chronicles 22:13]. Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly [1 Chronicles 28:20]. God wanted all of us to be successful. Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you [Isaiah 54:4].
Resurrection is the glorious assurance of our promises in Christ. If He can overcome DEATH, He can deliver us from anything that threatens His life in us.
(Transcribed from the preaching of Pastor William Galang)
Related articles
- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (jlue.wordpress.com)
- Jesus is alive, the tomb is empty. (truthorshame.com)