There was once a piece of string who was very hungry. He decided to treat himself to a great dinner. He went to the fanciest restaurant in town, walked up to the host and asked to be seated at the finest table for one. The host looked down his nose at the little string and sneered, “We do not serve your type here!” and told him to leave. The string turned and walked sadly out of the restaurant. Once outside he was determined to get his fancy meal and he struck upon a plan. The little string bent himself over in half and made a loop. Then he twisted around and poked his head up through the loop. Reaching up, he untwisted his top. Then did the same to his feet and walked back into the restaurant. Again he approached the host and asked for the finest table for one. The host squinted at the little string and said, “Aren’t you that string that was just in here a moment ago?” The string responded, “No, I’m a frayed knot.”

That silly story gives us an important reminder as we approach Easter. In a few short weeks we will celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The Easter message is one where you hear that you should “be a frayed not” … I mean be afraid not, or don’t be afraid.

That is the point of the resurrection. When angel appears to the women at the tomb on Easter morning, he says “Don’t be afraid.” It is a message repeated over 100 times in Scripture, but it is especially meaningful because of Easter. God is in control. The death of Jesus paid for all sin. His resurrection gives the faithful victory over death. There is no need to fear. When you have put your faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, you have the absolute certainty of forgiveness for every sin and the gift of eternal life with your Lord.

 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55–57)

As you prepare for Easter, reflect on the last stanza of the Song “In Christ Alone” written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend:

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.

And be a frayed knot — be not afraid – Christ is Risen. Because He lives, we live also.