Friends in Christ Weekly Message
March 26, 2005

     The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed."
Matthew 28:5-6 (Message*)

Reportedly it was common in the early church when one Christian met another for the greeting to be, "He is risen!", to which the response was, "He is risen indeed!" This is the time of year when most of the Christian church focuses on the resurrection. But we always need to be living in the hope and power of the resurrection, not just at one time of the year.

In this instance, the literal meaning of "There is nothing to fear here" refers to these women's reaction to what they found at Jesus' burial place. But scripture almost always has multiple layers of meaning, and I think this message from the angel speaks to us today as well, wherever we are.

We need not live in fear because Jesus has conquered death and evil in his resurrection. The victory has already been won. Despite outward appearances of the strength of evil, we can live knowing that the power of the resurrection is stronger than anything which can be brought against it.

Rejoice in the power of the resurrection. Live in that power. He is risen!

Bill Samuel

* The Message version ©2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.

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