Arise, and Do Not Be Afraid!

Arise, and do not be afraid! When I read these six words from a Bible study, we’ve been doing, (Fearless) they made a tremendous impact on me. In other words, Jesus said, “Get UP and don’t be afraid!”

In Matthew 17:1-7, Jesus took three of his closest disciples and led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and right there, He was transfigured before them. It says His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Can you imagine how amazed and awe-struck Peter, James and John must have been. They were seeing something they’d never seen before. They knew Jesus was different and believed he was, who he said he was…but there was still some question in their hearts. They were looking in the natural, but Jesus came to show them the supernatural…from our perspective we mostly get it…we’ve read about who Jesus is. We’ve heard all the stories of the Bible, and have accepted him as our Lord and Savior, well those who have, know what I’m talking about. But these three men were experiencing this first-hand…it’s difficult to even imagine what they must have thought and felt. Seeing Moses and Elijah appear before them talking with Jesus…

What?

Of course, Peter, who was strong headed, outspoken and bold made the suggestion to build three tabernacles: One for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. But while he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly, God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well please. Hear Him!”

Woe! This wasn’t the first time God had spoken those words about His Son. This was serious…When Peter, James and John heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. I think I would have been too. I mean this is God speaking…

But Jesus…

Our precious, compassionate, understanding savior, came and touched them. Oh, the touch of Jesus, there’s nothing like it. Then He said, “Arise, and Do Not Be Afraid!”

Jesus is saying to us today, “Arise, get up, don’t be afraid!”

Are you frightened, are you feeling anxious and weary! Child of God, look to Jesus. He wants to touch you with His presence. He wants you to get up and don’t be afraid!

When your life seems out of control and you don’t want to think of where to go, or how to act, and with all the crazy going on around you and in the world, you fall on your face and wonder how is this going to end? You just want it to stop…and fear has its icy grip on you…

Let Jesus touch you! Then get up and don’t be afraid!

Don’t be anxious for anything…but in all things, the good and the bad, give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:6-7)

Get up! Stand and put on the armor of God… (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Pray and Praise for this brings you into the very presence of God! And don’t let anything or anyone take the place of Jesus. He is God’s son, Hear Him! Amen!

Arise, and do not be afraid!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 6, 2023

Matthew 17:1-7 New King James Version Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”

Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version

The Armor of God Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.