Do Not Be Afraid

Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one.

 I was dead, and see, I am alive for ever and ever.” 

Revelation 1:17–18

In Revelation 1, John turns to the voice speaking to him and sees Jesus in glory. He is standing among the lampstands, clothed with majesty and authority. John is overwhelmed and falls at His feet. But Jesus places His right hand on him and says, “Do not be afraid.” This is the comfort of the risen Christ. The One who is full of power is also full of mercy. He is not only glorious; He is near to His people in their fear.

Jesus calls Himself “the living one.” He says, “I was dead, and see, I am alive for ever and ever.” These words are full of hope. Jesus has passed through death and conquered it. He now holds the keys of death and Hades. That means nothing is beyond His authority. Even the darkest places are under His rule. Because He lives, we do not need to live in fear.

Psalm 146 helps us respond to this vision. It says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help” (Psalm 146:3). Human strength fails, but the Lord remains faithful. “Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord” (Psalm 146:5). The Lord reigns forever, cares for the weak, and lifts up those who are bowed down. This is the same Jesus John sees—the living Lord who reigns and who still cares for His people. To live Christ today is to trust Him when we are afraid. He is alive forevermore. He is our help, our hope, and our King.

Prayer:
 Lord Jesus, Living One, when we are afraid, place Your hand upon us and speak Your peace to our hearts. Help us to trust You above all human strength, and to live today in the hope of Your risen life. Amen.