What strange times we’re muddling through. Covid-19 has left us all reeling, searching for answers. For normalcy. For an end to the chaos. For hope.

I pondered what I should share with you this month. I wondered if you wanted to know how my speaking schedule has come to a grinding halt. (Whose hasn’t?) I could tell you about living out of boxes while in the middle of a move during a global epidemic, or how being a homeschooling mama has saved my sanity during these educational transitions, or about the new story I’ve just begun.

Instead, I think it would be better to talk about something universal: fear. As we approach Easter, I see how much fear played a part in the Resurrection story.

The Pharisees feared losing power and control. Some in the crowds feared losing their position in the synagogue more than following the call of Jesus. Pilate feared an uprising and losing face before Caesar. Peter feared being associated with the very One he swore he follow, even if it meant death. The disciples feared their leader, the One destined to usher in a new government and bridge the divide between King and people, people and God, would be killed.

Then their worst fears were realized.

Things aren’t always as they appear though. Where men see a crucifixion, God saw a sacrifice. Where religious leaders saw victory, Satan saw defeat.

Three days and three nights and Mary arrived early to find an empty tomb. Fearing someone had stolen away her beloved teacher’s body, she wept, only to hear, “Woman, why are you crying? For whom are you looking?” (John 20:15) Imagine the reverberating shock that must have flooded every nerve of her body to see Jesus standing before her. Whole. Compassionate. Alive.

When the rest of His followers saw Him, their terror fled, replaced by a hope so bright, it eclipsed every other thought and dream they’d ever conceived. Not because they thought government would fix things. Not because their personal lives would somehow become easier. It was because of Jesus and His presence.

Who are we seeking? In the midst of this present chaos, who are we looking to as our peace?

Joy and sorrow met at the cross, but fear was shattered at the tomb.