30 But God raised him from the dead,
This simple statement records the event that changed history! The One crucified for our sins was brought back to life as a demonstration that death itself had been conquered. Nothing can be held over our heads anymore. What more is there to fear since death’s sting has been removed! Death no longer is something to dread. When it comes, it comes. It simply marks the transition from this short life of suffering to an eternity of fulfillment. All the brokenness with which we struggle in this life will be removed. The injustices will be made right. The questions will be answered. All will make sense there. We will be at peace. That for which we have been longing all our lives will be present and overwhelmingly real. And all this happened because Jesus was raised back to life. Before His death and resurrection death reigned. The fear of death haunted humankind. But after this event there is no need for fear. Death has been defeated. So today if you get caught in fear, remember that you don’t need to be afraid of death. And if we don’t need to be afraid of death, everything else is child’s play. That doesn’t mean that some of the struggles of this life won’t get you down temporarily. But it does mean that you can stand assured of victory in the end. Knowing that Jesus is alive can bring perspective in the middle of crisis. That knowledge is like an anchor holding us steady in the middle of a storm. Take heart, Jesus is alive, and he has your future held secure. You have nothing to fear.
The Arnold Journey 