Hearts Burning
"The Emmaus Road"
Before, or after you read this post, go read Luke 24:13-35 for more insight.
In the story of the Emmaus Road, it's the third day after Jesus was crucified. Jesus had resurrected as promised, but not many were celebrating just yet. Luke reveals that our Messiah appeared to two of his followers who were traveling to a village called, Emmaus in Luke 24. The word says that as they walked, the resurrected Jesus appeared to them, but "they were kept from recognizing him" (v16)
This Jesus-in-disguise and the two men walked and discussed all the events of the very recent crucifixion, and of the things to come. The two men were discouraged and "downcast" as verse17 puts it. They kept referring to Jesus’ death as though he had failed in his mission and was dead forever.
They couldn’t recognize the victory that had now been won for them and all humanity, just as they couldn’t recognize Jesus walking beside them. They tell this stranger (Jesus), "we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel." (v21)
They had hoped? I guess their hope was now gone. Little did they know, the cross had given them hope for eternity.
As the men shared details with our hidden Jesus, they even mentioned the reports that no one could find Jesus' body, which should have been evidence that Jesus was risen. However, instead of joy, they were solemn and sad. Jesus addressed this in verse 25.
"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken!" (v25)
As they continued their walk with Jesus, Christ did something I would give just about anything to have experienced in-person. He walked them through the OT beginning with Moses and all the prophets, to prove the necessity of the suffering and sacrifice that was made on Golgotha.
"…and beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself…" (v27)
Can you IMAGINE???? Jesus himself giving you a first-hand, small-group lesson, proving through the OT that he was God and how he had to come and die?? Consider the depth, accuracy, and beauty of the Lord’s wisdom poured out for them.
Eventually, they stopped and decided to break bread and eat. As Jesus broke the bread and gave thanks, their eyes were opened and they recognized him. He immediately vanished.
Verse 32 brings me to tears. The moment of realization that the God of all creation had chosen to walk with them is one I can hardly imagine. The Ancient of Days, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, the Great I Am - THAT God.
"They asked each other, 'were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?'" (v32)
Their hearts bore witness to what he had shared. They were feeling the Holy Spirit and the beautiful, inspiring, empowering conviction of the Almighty within their deepest heartbeat. Jesus had “…opened the scriptures…” to them in a way that only he could.
Think: This comes in the form of a question this morning. Ask yourself,
“Have I half-heartedly hoped God’s promises would come true in my life? Have I been downcast in a season of sadness that Jesus promised to remedy? Have I spoken as though the battle was lost as the Victor stood before me? Have I resigned my callings while the author and finisher of my faith was present the whole time? It all comes down to this...
Do I recognize Jesus in the normal things? Do I overlook him working on my behalf because my life and busyness get in the way?
How many times have I walked with him and never recognized his presence in my situation due to my emotions overwhelming my mindset?
Does my heart burn within me as I study and meditate on his word?
Challenge: Stop focusing on the discouraging things in your life and start looking for Jesus on your journey.
When you find Jesus, you find purpose & gain hope.
There’s an entire book dedicated this idea. I’m lookin’ atcha, Ecclesiastes.
So, what road are you traveling today? If Jesus showed up disguised and began to speak to you, would you recognize him? If you realized it was him, would you be proud of how you spoke about him or to him?
I ask you to pray this prayer with a genuine desire to see it come to fruition.
Prayer: “Lord, may my heart burn within me as I meditate upon, and pour over your words to me. May the love story of your holy scriptures become the first thought on my mind in every situation. As I navigate this journey of life, help me not to miss you on the road to where I’m going. Jesus, I love you.”
My hope for you, man of God, is that your heart will burn with an unquenchable passion for Jesus. That you would be burdened with the God-given desire to lead your wife, children, and others in the faith. That you would be a lighthouse for the lost and a model of Godly worship and prayer for others to see and immolate.
You have not been called to walk downcast on the road of life. Jesus is walking with you.