January 11 | Luke 24:13-27

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Luke 24:13-27

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REFLECTION

Yes, it's Jesus - it's Him!

By Elaine Pierce

Luke doesn't tell us why these two followers of Jesus decided to leave Jerusalem and walk to the village of Emmaus. He does tell us that their faces were downcast. After all, Jesus, their hero, had been brutally crucified, and he was dead and gone - at least that's what they thought, and what they told the 'stranger' who walked alongside them. Even though the women told them the tomb was empty, they had no hope. After three days, they had given up. Jesus was gone. No wonder their faces were downcast.

But the stranger - who, of course, is Jesus - calls them to task: "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (v. 25)." How quickly they gave up. They forgot Jesus' promises, based on scripture that they, as devout Jews, would have learned from a young age as they studied at the temple. We don't know exactly which prophets Jesus referred to, but Luke tells us that he began with Moses, and "he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (v. 27)."

Yes, Jesus is in ALL the scriptures. He is there from the beginning, when God says "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness (Genesis 1:26)." Jesus is not an afterthought, and his death on the cross means that when we give our lives to him, he freely offers us grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Let's not be so quick to forget his promises like these two who walked the road to Emmaus. Too often I forget to trust in his goodness and his mercy. But thanks be to God he doesn't give up on me just as he didn't give up on these two men who thought that their leader had been defeated. No, we're not worthy - thanks be to God that He is.

PRAYER

Lord, when things look dark and I'm losing hope, help me to turn to your word for the strong assurance that you are the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. You have kept every promise, and you will be with me when the waters are deep, when the fire is raging, when the world seems out of control. Help me to rest in your loving arms. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!