Don’t be alarmed
by Kathy Matuschka
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid (Mark 16:8).
Read Mark 16:1–8
How is it that these women who stayed for the horrific crucifixion of Jesus Christ are now driven to fear by an empty tomb? We aren’t told why, so we can only guess.
Was it the supernatural appearance of the young man in white? Could it be the cumulative shock of the past few days coming to a head as they arrive to mourn and depart, not knowing what to do or think? Could it be the absence of the body of Christ – could it be that for the women, anything was bearable as long as they knew where Jesus was? Or was it their fear of public speaking, having been asked to proclaim a very important message to Jesus’ disciples?
Reflecting on these women who cared for Jesus in life and intended to care for his body in death makes me think of those today who care for the body of Christ – the church.
While this earth remains, to be part of the body of Christ is to live every day with the reality that the church, though redeemed, also remains broken. We look forward to our never-ending life in heaven, where the body of Christ will be fully restored, and we will live in perfect peace and unity.
Maybe, like me, you fear for the Christian church. In these times between Jesus’ resurrection and his return, it’s often hard to discern the actual state of the church. As the Gregorian chant says, ‘In the midst of life we are in death’.
We, too, need the assurance: ‘Don’t be alarmed’ (Mark 16:6). Just as Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, experienced both life and death during his time on earth, so the Christian church (which is also the body of Christ) continues to know life and death … and resurrection.
Using the words of a song based on Romans 8:38,39, we pray:
Nothing can separate us from the love of God
Neither death nor life, not any other power
Nothing can separate us from his precious love
So do not fear, for you are his. Amen.
Kathy Matuschka serves within the LCA Queensland District as Assistant Director for Mission. Kathy and her husband Mark have three wonderful adult children, one lovely son-in-law and another officially joining the family next month.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
