By Dorette Saunders
The account of the two disciples who journeyed from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion is one which is instructive for us (Luke 24:13-35, CEV). Saddened by the loss of Jesus, the prophet, who they believed would free Israel, they made their weary way home on Sunday.
They had heard from the women in their group how they found Jesus’ tomb empty. They had heard, too, that the women had seen angels who said Jesus was alive. Some of the other disciples corroborated the women’s account because they also found the tomb empty but saw no sign of Jesus (vv. 22-24).
And now, here is Jesus, the Risen Savior, walking alongside them but they do not recognize him. Can we for a moment switch places with these two disciples? How many times in our own lives do we profess to follow Jesus but become downhearted, hope-empty, sad people when things do not go according to script? Our script. How many times have we failed to “see” Jesus during the difficult moments of our lives? How many times have our faith taken a nosedive and our thoughts reverted to: “We had hoped that he would…” (v.21) when the miracles or healings we anticipate do not materialize?
What is interesting is that Jesus, in loving fashion, reminds the disciples of the prophecies.
Then Jesus asked the two disciples, “Why can't you understand? How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said? Didn't you know that the Messiah would have to suffer before he was given his glory?” Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets” (vv. 25-27).
Ah, yes! Sometimes we need a faith-boosting refresher course from the Lord himself. We will remember Jesus’ teachings if we spend time in the Word. Revelation often comes during our intimate times with Jesus, just as it did when these disciples took Jesus into their home and he broke bread with them (v. 30).
The two disciples had shared their hearts with Jesus. Their despair, their grief, their hopelessness. They had trusted this “stranger” with their innermost thoughts, and he in turn, had shared the Scriptures and “warmed” their hearts.
“When he talked with us along the road and explained the Scriptures to us, didn't it warm our hearts?” (v. 32)
Jesus is alive! He is risen, indeed!
Does God’s show of resurrection power warm our hearts? Do we remember and believe God’s promise when it tells us that God grants mighty power to those who trust him?
“I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven” (Ephesians 1:19, 20, CEV).
What an inheritance! If only we would remember and believe.
PRAYER: Gracious God, open our eyes that we would see Jesus in all his glory! Open our eyes when we experience trials so we would see our Lord walking beside us. Open our hearts, too, Lord, that we may willingly receive, and believe in the wonderful resurrection power that you give us to defeat the devil, the enemy of our souls. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©M©dytations 2023