Somethings are not what they appear
Things are not always as they appear.
For example, despite what the recent snow flurries might indicate, spring is now here. Or, despite how you predicted things would play out in your bracket, the latest NCAA basketball tournament has brought unexpected surprises.
On a deeper level, we often realize this in painful ways. The body you thought was perfectly healthy actually is riddled with disease. The relationship you thought was going great actually is coming to an end. The job you thought provided security actually is no longer even yours. The plans you thought you had for this year actually are playing out far differently than you had hoped.
Disciples came to believe one thing, then Savior was nailed to a cross
The disciples following Jesus found themselves in a similar spot many years ago. They had come to believe Jesus was the long-promised Savior, the rescuer who would redeem his people from sin and brokenness and hurt. They had heard him claim to be God and seen him perform miracles. They had heard his brilliant teaching and seen his tender care for those overlooked and oppressed.
But then, on that fateful Friday, the man they thought would rescue them was nailed to a cross, shamed like a criminal even though he had done nothing wrong. That evening, the lifeless body of Jesus was taken down from a cross, buried in a tomb, and as the stone rolled in front of the entrance to seal the tomb it also seemed to seal the disciples’ despair.
But things are not always as they appear.
Because early on Sunday morning, the lifeless body returned to life, proof this truly was the Savior who had come to rescue sinners. His triumph came through apparent defeat. His offer of eternal life came through his death. Even though he died, he is now alive.
Savior of sinners has come, triumphed
That is why Christians all over the world will gather in just a few weeks to celebrate Easter, and why they gather every Sunday. The Savior of sinners has come, and he has triumphed. He extends the offer to everyone, to turn from our lives of sin that just don’t seem to satisfy, and to turn to him by faith. To trust him and his finished work on the cross. To believe that he is Lord and Savior.
Because though it does not always seem like it now, Jesus is the reigning King of the universe. One day, he will return and right every wrong, wipe away every tear, reverse the foul curse of death, and reign in joy and peace with those who believe in him. The pain we feel now will not have the final word. The injustice we see now will not have the final word. The failings of our body, or even the bitterness of death, will not have the final word. Jesus wins.
Things are not always as they appear – and that is the glorious hope Christians cling to, for one day, our faith will be made sight and all things will be made right.
Josh Wilson oversees the ministries of Grace Church in Ashland.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Things not always as they appear. That is the hope Christians cling to
