“That very day two of them were… talking about all these things that had happened. While they were discussing, Jesus himself drew near and went with them… He said, ‘What is this conversation you are holding with each other as you walk?’ They stood still, looking sad… Cleopas answered, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ He said, ‘What things?’ And they said, ‘Concerning Jesus.., a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up… to death, and crucified him. We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel… Some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,.. did not find his body, [and] came back saying that they had seen angels, who said he was alive…’ He said, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he interpreted to them in the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
“They drew near to the village… He went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And… they recognized him. He vanished… They said, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, open[ing] to us the Scriptures?’ They rose and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24:13-15,17-23,25-35
The risen Lord’s entry into an ordinary conversation revealed much about people as clueless and Him as patient instructor. His followers, dull to His repeated promise to be crucified, then rise again, now failed to recognize Him alive. His probing, abiding, gentle guiding, and breaking bread led them to awakening faith. (Matthew 16:21; 20:17-19)
How prevalent is talk about all the things that happen and ignorance to true meaning. A constant riot of information and strategically-chosen narrative buzzes and bubbles over airways and screens, catching us and every emotion in its clamor. So we talk. We discuss. We opine. And so often we miss Jesus in the midst.
He is among us, knowing our angst. Interpreting His word through events. Proclaiming peace that’s elusive in the world. Actively advocating for us against the deceptive enemy. Loving and not letting go. And we trudge through hours and days, muddling in turmoil and decisions and difficulties, dull to His promises and presence. (Luke 24:36; John 14:27; Romans 8:31-39)
What would change in our attitudes, decision framework, overall outlook, if we acknowledged His providence and invited Him into our reasoning, deliberating, and choosing? What can we turn off or avoid in order to trace His hand, voice, and perspective? How will we intentionally align ‘all the things that happen’ with the living, redeeming Christ and His word? Ongoing communion with the Holy One clears our thinking to interpret true wisdom and purify emotions.
Lord Jesus, sharpen any dull affections or determinations in me so my eyes and heart are open to understand and proclaim Your good news.
As the rain and snow 