Two years ago we were unable to meet over the Easter weekend. We delivered and emailed a newsletter with resources for the service along with a picture of the empty tomb that many of you coloured in. 2020 seems a long time ago now. You have put your faith in God as you have dealt with so much uncertainty. The overwhelming message to us from Scripture is to believe in Jesus and to not fear. The doubt that hindered the disciples caused them to be locked away and to live in fear. The women who went to the tomb are an example for us on how to face the difficulties in life. They went about their lives and cared for others. They went to the tomb out of respect and were astonished to find the stone rolled away and Jesus gone. They must have been dumbfounded!
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:5-6.
Then the women returned to find the disciples and tell them the good news and miraculously Jesus appeared to them all.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Matthew 28:10.
We face many hurdles in life but we are encouraged to rely on Jesus and to not be afraid. Verses in Isaiah help and inspire us.
You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:12-13, ESV.