Read Luke 24
Verses chosen for devotion - vs 13-27
On the Road to Emmaus
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
The 2 followers of Christ were on their way to Emmaus when Jesus caught up with them on their conversation. They did not recognize Him and were obviously sad over the death of their teacher (v17), and perhaps disappointed as well (as their expectation on their Israel’s redeemer did not materialise, v21). In fact Jesus mentioned and predicted about His death to his disciples (Matthew 17:22-23 and Mark 9:30-32) but perhaps they did not understand. And they heard about Him disappearing from the tomb and the sighting of Angels who proclaimed that He is alive. But instead of focusing on the good news that their teacher (son of God) has resurrected, they chose to drown themselves in sadness (v17) and hopelessness (v21).
Were they forgetful about what Jesus had taught them? How much did they know about their messiah and what was their expectation of Him? What was their eyes set upon, the death or the resurrection of Jesus?
Relate
Is our life journey like the walk to Emmaus? Do we doubt, expect and focus on the wrong things?
Are we forgetful?
We tend to forget about who God really is - His power and His grace. I have experienced His healing power over sickness and deliverance from spiritual warfare. My relationship with Him and my faith is strengthened every time when I go through rough patches and experience His grace. But human nature is such that we are quick to forget and slow to remember. When big issues surface again in our life we quickly become drowned in hopelessness and faithlessness. Just like the disciples who had witnessed Jesus healing and resurrecting power, they quickly forgot about what was being taught by their teacher and who their master really is. They would have heard about Jesus transfiguration as witnessed by some of the disciples as well. But they were devastated by His crucification thinking that death has overcome Him.
What is our expectation of our God?
Do we mold God into our desired image and character? Do we expect Him to do things our way? The disciples had certain expectations of how their teacher was supposed to redeem Israel. Perhaps as a powerful savior to overthrow the Roman Empire. Or as the next King to build the next powerful kingdom of Israel. But they had not been able to comprehend that the redemption here was by the blood and by the death of Jesus.
What is our expectation of our God in a difficult time at the peak of the current global crisis? What do we expect Him to do to end suppression, war and global warming? Why is God allowing all these to continue? Why is God not taking action? As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts - Isaiah 55:8-9.
But if we know God’s character - love (John 3:16), caring (Matthew 6:26), just (psalm 50:6) perfect (psalm 18:30), we can trust that God is in control and He knows what He is doing. His salvation and redemption plan is a perfect one as many of us have already experienced.
What is our focus?
The disciples focused on the death of their teacher, instead on His resurrection.
Do we focus on our problem or on our God? Is our problem bigger than God? If that is true then everything we believe in and hope for will be in vain. But thankfully that is not the case - 2 Timothy 1:17 taught us that we have the spirit of power, love and self control. So we could overcome our issues by the power and the grace of our Lord. We need to learn to set our eyes upon Jesus in times of needs and tribulation. For He has overcome death and He has overcome the world.
One thing I know for sure is that because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Praise be to God!
Rest
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
Because He lives lyrics
Amen
Alan Wong
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