The angel said to the women, “me phobeisthe humeis” (Fear not ye). The root of the Greek word that the angel employed gives us a suffix that is widely used to describe various kinds of fear (phobia). The women could have been momentarily gripped with pnuematiphobia (fear of spirits) or kenophobia (fear of empty space), scelerophobia (fear of bad men or burglars), or even isolophobia (fear of being alone) – Jesus gone! What phobia do you suffer? There are many types of fear – in fact one certain website lists over five hundred phobias! Whatever it is, the message today is ‘Do not be afraid’.

Some people fear darkness (achluophobia), others fear being single (anuptaphobia), while others dread making decisions (decidophobia). Fear is a hard limiter, which binds a soul in a prison with imaginary walls and robs people of peace and freedom. It brings a terrible shortsightedness upon one’s eyes to only see the would-be short-lived negative likelihoods whose probability is ultra low! Jesus echoed the angel’s introductory statement, and we need to hear it loud and clear today: Do not be afraid!

Necrophobia is the fear of death; the greatest fear I suppose. Everyone must suffer this to a great extent, hence we treat sickness, we get out of the speeding vehicle’s way, we eat – we take care of ourselves; yet eventually death must come! Because of the assurance by Jesus’ death and resurrection, Paul writes encouragingly:

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed... When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1Co 15:51-55)

The hope for revival and restoration of fortunes, and the hope for life here and hereafter is alive because Jesus rose again. Yes, He conquered the grave and all who believe in Him are sure to overcome the greatest of all fears. Hallelujah, Christ is risen!

God bless you all.