[box] Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us.They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 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?” Luke 24:13-32[/box]
How many times do we moan, grieve, and lament over life’s circumstances that “appear” hopeless through natural eyes?
We laugh at the disciples for failing to recognize Jesus, even when He walked right beside them. But how many times do we do the same thing?
Why do we let life’s circumstances cloud our vision and keep us from seeing Jesus?
After reading this Scripture today, I decided to write a little song to Jesus today. I hope it blesses you, too.
Our God is Here
Let us break bread in Your Holy Name, in remembrance of why You came.
You are more than a broken eager Friend. You’re our King in a Kingdom that knows no end.
We drink deep of Your love cup. Covenant keeper, raise us up.
We feel you here right now, God of peace and sweet release.
We feel you here right now. God of grace, our only wow.
We marvel at the wonder of Your love, at the feel of Your embrace.
We raise our highest praise before You. Seek the beauty of Your face.
Breathe in us new hope-soaked sight. Strengthen us to see and shine Your Light.
We worship You, Savior Lord. Worthy One, You’re most adored.
Deliverer, You make us free. Free to laugh and cry and always be.
We feel you here right now, God of peace and sweet release.
We feel you here right now. God of grace, our only wow.
We marvel at the wonder of Your love, at the feel of Your embrace.
We raise our highest praise before You. Seek the beauty of Your face.
Knowing You are here, we cast off fear.
Knowing we are free, we bow our knee.
Knowing that you love us more than life,
we now know what we need.
We just need You.
We feel you here right now, God of peace and sweet release.
We feel you here right now. God of grace, our only wow.
We marvel at the wonder of Your love, at the feel of Your embrace.
We raise our highest praise before You. Seek the beauty of Your face.
On this road that feels forever, we are truly going somewhere.
Hand in hand, in love, we remember.
Our God is here.
…..
Cheryl Ricker, copyright 2014
Thank you, Cheryl, for this message this morning! The last three lines are speaking so strongly to me…”on this road that feels forever, we are truly going somewhere…….” Praying for you that you are also blessed with messages meant for you to hear today too!
Big smiles from this girl as I read your sweet message, dear friend. Thanks for stopping by! I’m thrilled my little song spoke volumes to you. I praise Jesus for that! May You feel Him like a melody throughout your beautiful day! Much love!
Beautiful!
I am pretty heiastnt to sing those words in worship these days too. I want God to break my heart for what breaks His but I am fearful of the cost that comes with that prayer. Often in the past, I sang these words with vigor. I was pretty naive back in the day buffet. I’ve decided that it’s a good thing God only reveals a few pieces at a time or else I would be flattened and stuck in my bed forever.