Message: Luke 24 tells one of my favorite stories about Jesus after he resurrected walking and talking with some men on the seven mile walk down the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were discouraged as they argued and discussed the death of Jesus and all that took place. Jesus joined them on their walk but scripture says “they were prevented form recognizing him”. He asked them about their disputes and they unknowingly told Jesus all about what happened and about their disappointment because “we were hoping that he was the one about to redeem Israel.” They even knew all about the women who had already been to the tomb and were met by the angels telling them he is alive. Jesus commented to them that they were slow and unwise in the belief in their hearts and he explained everything to them as it lined up with Scripture. It was not until Jesus went home with them and broke the bread and blessed it at dinner that their eyes were opened and they recognized him. As quickly as they did he disappeared and they acknowledged the burning of their hearts as he had spoken truth to them.
Command: Don’t stop the pursuit of Jesus. These men walked with Jesus in their misunderstandings until the moment Jesus opened their eyes.
Promise: God will reveal truth to those who seek him.
Warning: Trying to understand God through the lens of my own desires will leave me disillusioned like the men on the road to Emmaus.
Application: This reminds me that my misunderstandings and misinterpretations of who God is and what his plans are can be the very obstructions to me seeing him for who he really is and what he is doing in my life. God will open my eyes if I am willing to lay my own ideas down.
