While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

~ Luke 24:15-16 ESV

EMMAUS WALK

Two men, Jesus’ disciples, walked down a dirt road leading into the town of Emmaus. The hope of resurrection was not in their thoughts.

They had witnessed Jesus’ death on the cross three days before and had just heard that His body has disappeared from the tomb. The women told them an angel proclaimed Jesus had risen from the dead, but they found this news difficult to believe.

With heads hung low and hearts broken, they wonder how they could have gotten things so wrong. When Jesus said He was the One they were waiting for––the One who came to set the captives free––they wholeheartedly believed Him. They’d sunk their hopes into His promise of a better life. Now, all those dreams had vanished, and the men are filled with dismay.

Suddenly, Jesus walked with them, matching their pace and joining their conversation. He asked what they were talking about. They stopped and looked at Him. Cleopas wanted to know how this stranger had not heard about Jesus’ crucifixion. But Cleopas had no idea who he was talking to. Cleopas sputtered the words of his heart: “We had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). His hope had turned to hopelessness. Jesus must not have been who they thought He was.

HOPE IN HIM

As I read their story, my mind wandered to the many times I’ve been exactly where they were––walking down the road of despair. Such as the time when I thought Jesus would give me instant healing, but instead, He allowed years of chronic illness. Or when I thought He would give me children, but my womb stayed empty. Or when I thought He would heal my father and my father-in-law, but He chose to take them home to be with Him instead.

Like those men on the dusty road, my heart became so blinded by disappointment that it couldn’t recognize the presence of Jesus walking beside me. The screaming pain in those moments kept me from hearing His voice until He revealed Himself to me just as He did to the two men. In all these circumstances, He brought beautiful blessings–mostly the blessing of knowing Him more fully.

Once Jesus reached Emmaus, He blessed Cleopas and the other disciple by accepting their invitation to dinner. After they gathered around the table, Jesus blessed the bread and shared it with them. And much to their amazement, they recognized Him. 

JESUS IS ALIVE

If you are wandering down the path of discouragement, open the eyes of your heart to the truth of the resurrection. Jesus is alive and well and is in control. He knew exactly what you would face and where you would face it. He has been with you in the difficulty.

How can seeing Jesus alive and working in your circumstances give you hope?

Dear Jesus, help me to trust that You are with me in every situation. Give me eyes of faith when looking at my circumstances. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: The Hope of Resurrection: Rosann Coulon: All Rights Reserved