5-29-2014

Good Morning All,

       Luke 24:13; “That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem”

     This is part of one of those stories that will always intrigue us.  This is part of the story that occurs that first Easter Sunday.  Two of Jesus’ followers, one named Cleopas, were walking to a small village called Emmaus.  It is about 6 or 7 miles from Jerusalem, we just aren’t sure which way.  This is a story that we can see in our mind’s eye so easily.

    Cleopas and his friend were followers of Jesus.  They even thought, no they believed, that Jesus was the Messiah.  Yet, they had just witnessed his execution by the Romans.  It was horrible.  They had watched as some had taken down the broken body and buried him.  They hid over the Sabbath, afraid that the Jewish council would come after them next.  On Sunday, they headed to Emmaus.  It could have been home or it could have been on the way home or just a plan to leave Jerusalem.

     As they walked, they talked about the events of the past week especially the women.  They claimed that they had seen him, alive!!  Soon they were joined by a stranger.  He hadn’t heard anything about Jesus or the crucifixion.  Where was he hiding?  Didn’t he see the darkness or feel the earth tremble?   They told him their story; then this stranger told them his story about how everything that had happened needed to occur.  They invited this stranger to have dinner with them.  When they did, their eyes were opened and they saw that it was Jesus with them.

    How many times are we “walking to Emmaus”?  How many times have we had our expectations, our hopes, our dreams shattered before us?  It doesn’t take long for us to start wandering down the road to Emmaus; dejected, lonely, frightened and sad.  As we walk wondering what happened, we do not walk alone.  We may not recognize him, we may not see him but he is there.  Jesus walks with us even as we walk to Emmaus.  All the time he speaks to us through his Word.  He tells us that he loves us, that we are forgiven; that what is behind us is behind us, we don’t need to bring it along with us anymore.  We can leave the pain of the past in the past.  Jesus reveals to us his incredible love.

    We will have those times when we walk to Emmaus.  Just know that you do not walk alone.  Listen for God’s comfort.  It may come from a family member or a friend or a member of your church but God will speak to you and comfort you.  Trust in his everlasting mercy.  Our walk may be long and arduous but we never walk alone or for long.  The pain and the sadness is only temporary.  God’s grace will always be there for us.  So as you walk, listen for our Savior’s gentle voice.

Gracious Lord, on our walks to Emmaus, filled with doubt and sorrow; go with us.  Speak to our broken hearts with your tender love.  Gently lift us up and heal our pain.  Guide us as we travel down this path of life.  Keep us mindful that as you travel with us, you protect us from the devil’s assaults.  Be with those who are lost in their travel and bring them safely home.  In your precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret