2020 Daily Devotion - Day 22

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In Luke 24:13-35, there is a marvelous story of how some of the early disciples had an encounter with Jesus after the resurrection. Luke is the only Gospel writer to record it. It is called the “Walk to Emmaus”.

Some of the followers of Jesus were on their way to the town called Emmaus. They were walking along talking about the events of Jesus dying on the cross, and they were very sad. A man came along, joined them and asked what they were talking about and why they were so sad. It was Jesus, but they were kept from recognizing Him. They asked this “stranger” if He was the only one who had not heard what had been happening in Jerusalem in the past few days. They went on to share what had happened with His death on Calvary. They went on to share how the women in their group had seen Him alive and how the tomb was now empty. They ended up inviting this “stranger” to spend the night with them since it was so late. Then, when they were sharing a meal, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and He gave it to them. Look what happens next in Luke 24:31-32.

Luke 24:31-32 NRSV
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

I have always loved these words – “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” They realized in that moment that earlier, when they were so sad and feeling so lost, Jesus was right there. They were not alone. Even though in that moment they did not recognize Him, He was still present.

The same is true for you right now. The resurrected Jesus is present for you. Even though you might feel sad and somewhat lost, He is still present. You will not walk any road alone; not even the one to Emmaus.

Pray with me:
Lord Jesus, we thank You that because of Your resurrection, we do not walk alone.  Even in those moments when we don’t always recognize You, You are still walking alongside us. Help us to take comfort in knowing that even when we are alone, You are always present. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church

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