"Jesus Himself drew near and went with them." Luke 24:13-35 NKJV
On the build up surrounding Jesus' resurrection, let us look at a few things that happened. Many were astounded at the news that Jesus's body was no longer in the tomb where it had been placed and had been guarded by Roman soldiers. There had also been a very large stone placed in the doorway to prevent people going in there. But, the tomb was found to be empty. Many doubters, including the Romans and the local hierarchy felt that Jesus' body had been stolen in an effort to establish that Jesus' claim that he would rise again, was the truth. But how could this have happened when the tomb was guarded and the stone would have been much too heavy to move without great effort.
Therefore, people allover the area were debating this. Jesus noticed two chaps walking along the road to Emmaus and joined them.They were followers of Jesus but it was obvious from their conversation, that their faith was shallow. Whereas, people like Peter, John and Mary, were rejoicing that Jesus had actually risen as He said He would, these chaps were discussing what happened without any hope and as if, they felt let down by it all.
Jesus intervened and they were astounded that He led them to believe that He knew nothing about the situation, 'Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?' v18. And they went on to explain what they knew. Jesus rebuked them after a time, v25, telling them that their spiritual dullness, came from a failure to recognise what the scriptures foretold, that the Messiah must suffer in such a way. They had been blinded by their despair.
There is something that we must see in this account. Jesus can turn up anywhere that He chooses. These guys had been so busy talking about it all, that they missed the real thing - Jesus Himself in their presence. Busy-ness is ok but not at the risk of leaving Jesus out of things. He drew near to Cleopas and this other chap, He can do the same thing to us as well. What would He find if He chose to do this. If He just turned up in your day witnessing what you were saying and doing. Like the chaps here, who were too busy to recognise Him, would you do the same?
It really is food for thought. We should always be ready for the unexpected. As I've mentioned, being busy is ok, as long as Jesus figures in this busy-ness. Going to this meeting and then another and never having time for yourself, your family or even God, is never a good idea. We can end up leaving out, who we are seeking to bring in - Jesus Himself.
Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message