Sometimes, oftentimes, the appearance of things can be so very deceiving. We may observe something, thinking it is one thing, and it turns out to be something far different than we thought. Appearances can cause us to believe something is real, and it proves to be nothing. It can be like heat rising off of hot pavement in the heat of summer. The appearance sometimes causes us to think that there is a puddle of water in the road ahead of us, but when we get there, no water is to be found. Appearances can be deceiving.

This must have been the way the disciples felt after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Appearances would lead them to believe that all was lost. Their dreams, their hopes, their aspirations, had all been wrapped up in the belief that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. They were looking forward to the day that Jesus would go public with the announcement that He was now going to establish the kingdom. Israel would once again be a world power to be reckoned with. And they would be key figures in this newly established kingdom on earth.

But after the death and burial of their Leader, their hopes were dashed, their dreams were shattered, their aspirations were lost. All was lost. What would they do now? Where would they go? To whom would they turn? Jesus was dead. Would the same fate befall them?

Their darkness turned into distress, and their distress devolved into despair. Shaken, uncertain, fearful, perplexed, confused, bewildered – for three days they would remain in this state of shock. What must they have been discussing during those dark days? What plans were they now making? What actions would they now take? The appearance was that all was lost. Without Jesus, what could they possibly do now?

Have you been there? Have you experienced a life-altering event that, from all appearances, seemed to be insurmountable? Have you been in a situation that caused you to think all was lost? Have you been in that state of bewilderment, perplexity and confusion that seemed to be beyond all hope? Then the lesson learned by the disciples is a lesson we need to constantly be reminded of. Appearances can be so very deceiving.

The darkness of those days between the crucifixion and the resurrection were heart wrenching days for those men and women who had placed all hope in Jesus. But the light was about to shine. The tomb was about to be vacated. The dead was about to rise. The appearance of sure defeat was about to be replaced with the reality of a momentous victory.

Death could not hold Him. The tomb could not contain Him. Darkness could not overtake Him. Victory! Victory! Victory! Darkness is replaced with light. Despair is turned into rejoicing. Hopelessness is replaced with the reality of resurrection power.

What “appearance” has you in a state of bewilderment and perplexity today? Does all seem lost? Hopeless? Are you in a state of desperation? Then look to the empty tomb. Look to a risen Savior. Look to the One who has conquered death, hell and the grave. Look to Him who is in control of the circumstances, situations, and eventualities of life. Look beyond the “appearance” to the reality of ultimate victory in Jesus Christ. Let the power of His resurrection resonate in your heart, mind, soul and spirit. By faith, grasp the reality that lies just beyond the appearance.

I wish everyone a most blessed and wonderful Easter. Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Blessings!