Because of sin, it is possible to look into the face of Jesus and not see Him at all.
Luke 24 gives a snapshot of Jerusalem after the spiritual fallout of Jesus’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection had occurred. Like shell-shocked soldiers, two of Christ’s disciples walked away from the sacred city where so much had just transpired and toward a future, they thought, without the One they hoped would save them.
The text only names one of the weary travelers, Cleopas. The beginning of the chapter indicates that he was cloistered with the other disciples when the women announced that they’d seen an angel at Jesus’s empty tomb (Luke 24:9). Try to imagine the emotional whiplash. “We were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel,” Cleopas confessed when a stranger fell in step with them along the way (V.21). But how could Jesus redeem their beloved nation from a borrowed tomb? What could a body so bloodied by brutality possibly do to save them? And yet, there was news.
Some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive.
—Luke 24:22–23
So surely they were jumping for joy as they traveled to Emmaus, right? Perhaps there was pep in their step after all? No, Scripture describes them as “discouraged” (v.17). They’d been among the first to hear the remarkable news that Jesus had forever broken the bonds of death, and yet, they seem to have concluded that despite Christ’s clear promise to rise, the story of a resurrected Savior was simply too good to be true.
It’s so easy to see Him in hindsight. He did the things He’d always done: repeating the words of the prophets (v.25), giving God glory (v.26), eating with sinners (v.30), and teaching that He was (and is!) the Word fulfilled (v.27). He was as close as their shadow and true to everything He promised He would be.
Wherever you go, the Spirit goes with you (Matthew 28:20). He desires to know you and be known by you (Psalm 9:16). First Corinthians 8:3 says, “But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.” As you travel your Emmaus roads today, don’t miss Him, and don’t get over the eternity-shifting wonder of this truth that, “He is not here, but he has risen!” (Luke 24:6).
@DOROTHY praying for your sister Carol and that whatever decision is made you guys feel at peace with it. @SISSY I’m so sorry to hear about your marriage but God has a great plan for you. In a time when you might feel extremely discouraged I pray you’ll leave on God. @MOLLY R. Praying hard for you and all that you’re going through and have been through. When it rains it pours. I don’t know you well but despite what you’ve been through I can tell you’re nothing short of a warrior. Hang in there! Praying it gets better and praying your dads UTI heals quickly. Praying for prayer requests that I might not have seen. Have a great week ladies!
To be walking right next to Jesus, but to blinded to the truth… so many times I find myself in this exact situation. Right there with Jesus, but completely clouded by doubt, a lack of faith, and my own feelings. Jesus help me in my unbelief. Open my eyes to see you! Draw me closer to you Lord!
Please pray for me. I am very lonely. I am single and would like a godly mate in my life. I am an only child. I live alone and have been alone for some time. If there is a victory in my life I have mo one to celebrate it. If there is sorrow, there is no one.
I know when someone reaches out to me it means that someone who reads your prayer request loves you. Thank you God for this opportunity
I want to know You, God. I want to love You with all my heart. ❤️
“But their eyes were holden that they SHOULD NOT know Him” (Luke 24:16 KJV). Why shouldn’t they? Why did He restrain their eyes from recognizing? Oftentimes we recognize God in the flesh, but God withholds that very means, so we might perceive Him by the spirit, a harder way. “… even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer” (2 Corinthians 5:16). But praise be to GOD….”did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us?” (Luke 24:32). This is the sign .. to perceive how He drops a message into our spirit causing a strong burning within… while a “stranger” talks. Have you experienced this? Bizarre but profound. May we catch these moments that it’s HIM speaking through whoever that might be, that we are sensitive enough to catch that it’s truly truly Him. Praying for you dear she’s that the Lord of Great Mercy, the God of Warrior, the Great Physician will fight for you. With God all things are possible. Don’t fear, just believe. Be blessed dear sisters.
Lord I need a fresh understanding of your word today. Let me see what I need to see to walk through this season. I pray grant my son the strength and guidance he needs for the situation he is facing. There are so many that need a touch from you Lord. I pray your unseen hand passes by with healing (Roy), guidance (Jamie), salvation for the unsaved (family & neighbors) and all who have grown cold with the walk. Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace..As the two walked and said did not “our hearts burn” as he was talking to us. Let my heart burn for your word….
Oh dear sisters! I am praying for your requests. For those of you who have suffered loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, or friend, whether it’s the loss of someone in your life, but not by death, whether it’s a physical loss or an emotional loss. They hurt. I am praying that you will have peace and strength, and that the Lord will show himself so real to you.
I know it is afternoon in Pennsylvania and on the other side of the pond it is almost time for bed. Blessings to each of you.