The angel said to the woman, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified."
Matthew 28:5 NIV
Today's verse involves Jesus, a woman, an angel and relationships. Let us look at the subjects. Have you considered angels, their servant roles and their function?
Angels have been mentioned many times in our reading. Often they have the function of a messenger. Consider the angel who stood blocking the passage of Balaam's donkey. The angel who appeared to Gideon with the message to not fear, for the Lord was with him. An angel gave the message to Elijah to meet the messengers of the King of Samaria with the question of why they were going off to consult Baal-Zebub the god of Ekron. Angels presented themselves before the Lord just before Job's tests began. An angel gave the message of Mary's pregnancy to Joseph. An angel opened the doors where the apostles were imprisoned in Acts 5. An angel told John in Revelation 22 that words were trustworthy and true.
The woman, a human, on her search for the crucified Jesus, certainly had many fears. The angel provided encouragement. Many followers of Christ at that time had fear, consider the disciples and how they kept a very low profile until Pentecost. Like the woman, we to can have fears in life as we seek our Lord Jesus. Our search for Jesus is now aided by the third being of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who points us to Christ and allows us to understand much. Give thanks to God!
Angels do have an active servant role and are Spiritual beings with an attendant role to God. They can help relieve our fears and as a result, encourage us on our path with and toward Jesus; however their activities should not take our focus, our eyes, our goal from Jesus.
Where do you look when you have uncertainties, when you have fears?
In your daily life, how are you looking for the risen Lord? Can others tell you are looking for Jesus?
Pray to keep your eyes open to Jesus in your daily life.
In Christ,
David P
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