Luke 24:13-15
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. They talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
This day, the disciples on the road to the village of Emmaus probably walked a road they had traveled many times before. This time the journey must have seemed very different. Life takes God’s people down a variety of paths and through many experiences both joyous and difficult. The responsibilities of life require us to be going and doing always. For the child of God there is a destination which is longed for, watched for above all others. A welcome sight to any of us who have traveled far is the familiar skyline of home. Whether it be the lighted silhouette of a city, or a mountain or other prominent landmark such as a stalwart grain elevator rising high above the spreading farmland below, these sights, seen for miles, serve as exciting reminders-urging us onward-promising us that we are soon to be home. Sometimes, even from so far away, it seems we can almost make out the skyline of a celestial city, a home specially prepared for us by the hands of Christ, awaiting us in the heavens. Our pace quickens.
The disciples seemed to lean on one another emotionally and spiritually as they began this sad journey together; after all, they had experienced much sorrow in Jerusalem on this day. It is a blessing to have someone with which to share joy as well as grief and loss. From their conversation, we can tell that their hearts were fixed on Jesus and their minds on His crucifixion. It was a time for remembering. They had experienced loss but had found comfort and strength in the fellowship they shared on the way. In time of need there is no substitute for a spiritual family. A church home adorned by those who genuinely love us and share our thoughts, convictions, and feelings, is a precious gift afforded us by our caring Lord. He knows our needs.
From their own words we realize that the most memorable and significant part of the journey for these disciples must have been when Jesus met them in their fellowship and joined Himself to them in the way, spoke to them, and prayed in their hearing. For children of God there is no better company, no greater joy than to be near the Lord-to bask in His love-to absorb His words. Their hearts burned within them. Their faces were lifted up, their countenances changed as they walked together, walking with Christ. Join us for the journey.
Pastor Berry
