A Lot Can Happen in Three Days

Please read Luke 24:13-35. Has there ever been something you didn’t understand and figured out later?  This encounter on the road to Emmaus focuses on that light bulb moment.  As two men walked and talked, digesting the events that took place…they unpacked a lot.  This walk-and-talk idea can be helpful to us too.  While the dust kicked up and the sun shifted, Jesus came from behind, eventually walking along with them. We know that they were also kept from recognizing him.  Why? Maybe because He needed to teach them in measured doses, giving them time put the pieces together; a lot happens in the discernment.  Discernment defined by the Presbyterian Outlook is a combination of perception, knowledge, wisdom, and judgment that is the product of Christian maturity.  As we witness the interaction we are reminded to slow down, to consider the situation from different angles, to find a trusted friend to talk things over with and go to Scripture and to pray for guidance.  It is only after we “digest” what we learn and mull it over that the truth becomes obvious.  

The men poked fun at Jesus because he did not reveal his knowledge of the week’s events.  This interaction opened the door for them to share all they knew about Jesus.   They told of the powerful prophet who was handed over to be sentenced to death, crucified, and then the hope dashed for a redeemed Israel.  They expressed disbelief at the women’s testimony of an empty tomb and angels announcing he was alive.  

How many of us are like these two men?  Not leaning on Scripture, instead trying to make sense of situations that are not under our control.  Jesus called them foolish and wondered why the events surprised them as they knew the words referencing the suffering of Christ and the glory which would follow from Moses and the prophets.  As Jesus talked of the Scripture the Scripture spoke for itself.  He told them they were slow to believe.  Friends, Jesus led them into the knowledge, showing them how the Scripture was fulfilled and they were slow to acknowledge that it was all part of God’s plan.  Maybe that’s where you find yourself today, struggling to see how the situation fits into God’s plan, and church, that’s where faith shines…trusting when it doesn’t make sense.         

As the men arrived at their destination, they constrained him.  They knew they needed to hear more of what this man had to say.  This is a message for us too.  Jesus is available for the invitation; He makes His presence known and then waits for us to engage.  When they sat to eat and after giving thanks for the bread, their eyes were opened.  They had that aha moment. 

I ask, where do you see Jesus in your life?  Church, Jesus is always with us, but we are not always with him. We overlook, avoid and miss opportunities to grow in faith.  Like the men, we need to talk with someone about our doubts, rehash events to gain clarity, and use Scripture to help us in the discernment process.  These two men walked about seven miles to get to Emmaus, but we don’t know why.  They were ready to rest, yet, that all changed in an instant.  Their eyes were open and they forwent the desires of their head for the truth of the heart.  They immediately got up, were restored with energy, and returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming, “It is true! The Lord has risen.”  With enthusiasm and immediacy, they shared the message that aligned their hearts and head, needing to share.  

There is so much to glean from this passage:  

1. While we do not always recognize what Jesus is doing, we do know that God promises that one day we will see Him face to face and we can be confident that God is working all things for good.  

2. God rarely does what we expect.  He shows up in unexpected places.  Our ability to “see” Him can be eclipsed…but He is with us always.  

3. The Bible reveals to us evidence about who God is and God’s plan.   We need to take time to study and learn more about the mystery of God.  

4. We need to be more like Jesus…taking time to notice what is happening in encounters.  Investing in others, asking questions, listening and being available.  Conversations need to be opportunities to extend love and introduce Jesus to people.

5. Jesus was invited, so he went in.  He did not barge in; he was available and willing.  Are we inviting, available and willing to invite Jesus into our hearts? And into our doubts?  Jesus longs to be with us and expects us to invite others. 

6. Jesus gave thanks. Church, we have 86,400 seconds each day.  How many of them are we using to offer praise and gratitude to our God? 

Like Jesus’ appearing and disappearing, something we heard about both this week and last, not everything makes sense.  One thing we can be sure of is that He will get to the heart of the issue.  We often get in our own way, trying to help God along.  God is God and does not need our help.  What He needs is our trust and attention.  Today, two weeks after Easter Sunday and every day, we need to shout with joy and confidence, “He is Risen,” He is Risen indeed.  And all God’s people say, amen!

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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