Don’t be afraid
When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am the first and the last. I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive for ever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of the dead. Write, then, the things you see, both the things that are now and the things that will happen afterwards.’ (verses 17-19)
Many of our fears are connected with death, not only our own death but also the death of our loved ones and the deaths that we read and hear about every day. This is because the road to death includes unpleasant things like pain, suffering, loss, separation and uncertainty. We long to live in a world that is free of death and the threat of death.
That is what Jesus offers. He is the living one. He died, but since his resurrection he is alive for ever and ever. But more than that! He has authority over death and the world of the dead. He can bring to life those who are dead, and he can give eternal life to whoever he chooses.
This world has to run its course through history, which will involve pain, suffering, hardship and death. But Jesus is the living one who not only has control of history but also knows and has planned its final destiny. Because he is the living one, your Saviour and Lord, you will be safe if you place your life in his hands. The going may be tough at times and hard, but the final outcome is assured. He has the power and authority to bring about what he has promised.
Lord Jesus, the living one, who was dead but is alive forevermore, I commit my life into your hands and ask for your help and strength each day to remain faithful to you on the path you have chosen for me. Amen.
by Kevin Schmidt, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)
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