How should believers respond when faced with God's overwhelming power today? The Scene That Stopped Hearts “The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.” — Matthew 28:4 Roman soldiers—battle-hardened, armed, and unflinching—collapse like corpses when the angel rolls the stone away. God’s power breaks into the ordinary and every human defense fails. How should believers respond when the same power confronts us today? Two Kinds of Fear • Terror that paralyzes (the guards) • Reverent awe that mobilizes (the women in v. 8 leave “with fear and great joy”) Terror shuts down; awe wakes up. Scripture calls us to the second response. Why Awe Matters • Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” • Exodus 20:20 — “Do not be afraid… the fear of Him will be with you to keep you from sin.” • Hebrews 12:28-29 — “Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Holy fear roots out casual, lukewarm faith and drives us toward wholehearted devotion. From Awe to Worship • Isaiah 6:5-8: Overwhelmed by God’s glory, Isaiah confesses, is cleansed, and answers, “Here am I. Send me!” • Revelation 1:17-18: John falls “like a dead man,” but Jesus lifts him: “Do not be afraid.” Awe flows into adoration, not despair. Practical step: Turn moments that expose our smallness—storms, crises, answered or unanswered prayers—into deliberate worship. Pause, acknowledge His greatness, declare His worth. From Worship to Obedience The angel’s first words to the women: “Do not be afraid… go quickly and tell” (v. 5-7). • Luke 5:8-10: Peter’s awe leads to leaving nets behind. • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Obedience proves that our awe is genuine. From Obedience to Witness The empty tomb message spreads because the women move. So: • Speak of answered prayer, provision, salvation. • Live distinctly—holiness points to a holy God. Philippians 2:15: “Shine like stars in the universe.” From Witness to Hope The angel’s announcement ends with resurrection victory. God’s overwhelming power is for us, not against us. • Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” • 1 Peter 1:3-5: His power guards our living hope. Hope replaces dread when we remember that the One who shakes earth also secures eternity. Putting It All Together Today 1. Pause when you sense God’s greatness—creation, Scripture, conviction. 2. Verbally acknowledge His supremacy: “Lord, You are…”. 3. Confess any sin His light exposes. 4. Ask, “What obedience fits this moment?” Then act. 5. Share the story—text a friend, post a testimony, encourage your church. 6. Rest in His promises; overwhelming power belongs to your Father (Romans 8:15). Living Awake, Not Afraid The guards stiffened; the women stepped forward. Choose awe over paralysis—worship, obey, witness, and hope, fueled by the same resurrection power that rolled away the stone. |
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