Luke 24-A "What is this Conversation?"

S = Luke 24:13-17 “That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ And they stood still, looking sad.” 

O = The first thing I notice in this story is that the two disciples were leaving Jerusalem, perhaps to go home, but why then? Why were they going that day, in sadness, when things were just starting to happen? Was it unbelief? Certainly. As they traveled through the miles between Jerusalem and Emmaus, they talked together, about all that had happened. They were focused on their sorrow, pain, and disappointed hopes. Could this have contributed to their eyes being “kept from recognizing him”? Certainly!

A = What do I talk about with others as I go through my week? Jesus’ words ring in my ears as I write this, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” Is it focused on my feelings or God’s faithfulness, the bad weather or the blessing of weather, the Mariners’ losing streak or the joy of baseball? Is my conversation centered on my job loss, my economic challenges, my family problems, my homework loads, and my long list of “but we had hoped…” statements? It is encouraging for me to see that at this point Jesus wasn’t blaming, sad, or self-focused, but he was still seeking lost sheep to bring them back into the joy of his plan, a plan that includes even those disappointed and emotionally wrung out souls who were bailing out and headed for Emmaus! If he went looking for them that day, I’m sure he has been looking for us today. So where does he find us? Where are we going, and what are we talking about?

P = O Lord, find me before I walk away from my trust in you. May my eyes be open to see your plan clearly and my heart open to trust you and your word when I don’t understand or I don’t see you working in my life. Help me to listen you’re your voice in my daily walk and may my experience of your grace be added to the larger story of your glory! Amen.