Sunday Sermonettes #098
Have you ever found yourself walking down a lonely road at sunset, your heart heavy and your face downcast?
It’s a feeling many of us know all too well—when your hopes feel dashed, the shadows begin to fall, and you’re walking away fom the scene of your heartbreak, thinking it’s all over.
A Heavy-Hearted Journey
That is exactly where two men found themselves on the evening of the very first resurrection day. They were walking towards their village, Emmaus, moving away from Jerusalem where Jesus had just been crucified.
In their minds, Jesus was dead and gone.
That very morning, they had heard the incredible, joyous news from the women who visited the empty tomb. Angels had openly declared, “He is not here; he has risen.” Yet, heavy with sorrow, they just couldn’t bring themselves to believe it.
They were amazed, sure, but still entirely consumed by their sadness.
But then, something extraordinary happened on that dusty road.
The Stranger on the Road
A companion drew near and joined them. They were kept from recognizing him at first, but as they walked, this stranger began to open their minds to the Scriptures, explaining why it was necessary for Christ to suffer before entering his glory.
As they listened, a spark ignited. Their hearts began to burn within them.
As the sun began to set, the stranger made as if he would keep walking. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us.”
A Presence Beside You
If “abide with me” is your prayer at this very moment, guess what? Jesus will do just that. He will come into your home, no matter how humble it is, and into your heart, no matter how sad and broken it might be.
For those two men, the breakthrough came the moment they sat down together. He took bread, gave thanks to God, and broke it. In that exact instant, their eyes were opened. They recognized him—and then, he immediately disappeared from their sight.
Suddenly, they weren’t tired or defeated anymore. They had news to carry! They hurried right back to Jerusalem to declare the ultimate truth: “It is true. The Lord has risen.”
At the end of every lonely walk and through whatever darkness the sunset brings, the Risen Lord is right there to walk along with you.
Let hope rise again in your heart today, because this, my friend, is the great assurance you have: The Risen Lord is with you!
The Emrnaus Road Journey is described in Luke’s Gospel Chapter 24:13 to 35.
Featured image courtesy: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
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