Matthew 28:5a

Posted by DJL on May 1, 2014 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid….”

Do not be afraid. It is, perhaps, the most succinct summary of the Gospel we can find. Do not live in fear. Do not be limited by others. Do not forget how much God loves you. Do not let circumstances wither your hopes. Do not give up. Do not be afraid.

Can we imagine our homes and churches being places where this message is sounded regularly and reliably? Can we imagine them as refuge and sanctuary, places of comfort and courage, healing and renewal?

That is, I think, the central task of Christians – as individuals and communities to sound a note of courage and hope, because God has acted in the world not only to take on our lot and our life, carrying our burdens and vulnerabilities in Jesus’ incarnation and cross, but also to defeat death, to renew creation, and to restore hope through his resurrection.

Do not be afraid. The gospel in a nutshell.

Prayer: Dear God, send us always and everywhere as emissaries of hope and courage, bearing the gospel message, “Do not be afraid!” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Post image: “The Angel Is Opening Christ’s Tomb” by Benjamin Cuyp (c. 1640)