Two women went to the tomb of Jesus where an earthquake occurred and an angel appeared. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.”  It’s easy to understand the fear. Earthquakes and angels aren’t every day occurrences. But there is this at the end: “So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:8)

Fear and joy?  That’s peculiar. When a burglar broke into my apartment, I certainly felt fear, but not joy.

Why are people afraid? Because they feel threatened in some way. What seems to surprise us modern folk is that people are afraid when they come in contact with the holy. “How silly,” we think. “God is love. People shouldn’t be afraid of God.” But they are and OUGHT to be afraid. God the Creator has the power of life and death over us. We should to be shaking in our boots just thinking about God.

But there’s more. God chooses to bring life out of death. That’s the message the women hear from the angel. “He is not here; for he has been raised.” Fear comes from what God could do. Joy comes from what God did do. Both are always present.

There ought to be awe, reverence and fear in the presence of God. We are poor, sinful creatures after all. There also ought to be joy because God gave the only son for our sake and raised him from the dead. We are to share that risen life.

Fear God and rejoice.

Read Matthew 28:1-8 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne