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The other day while working in the kitchen, my CD player provided a dramatic reading from Luke 24. The words from the recording that grabbed my attention were about the two disciples' Resurrection Day meeting with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and the later conversation at their evening meal:
Luke 24:15-16,27,30-32,35 – So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know him. … And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. … Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" … And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. (NKJV)
I can identify with those two disciples, Cleopas and his companion, on the road to Emmaus and at dinner. For many years, I read and studied Scripture with eyes restrained about knowing Jesus.
That changed earlier this winter as I read the gospels, Ephesians, and Hebrews with a new point of view. I focused on the writers as eye-witnesses, read the books slowly aloud, and listened as if the writer were actually talking to me about Jesus. I gave myself plenty of time for the words to sink in. My Bible was transformed from an academic textbook to be studied into a precious personal message talking to me about God's love. I am beginning to know more of Jesus as I "listen" to real people talk about Him.
This statement of the apostle Paul has come to life for me:
Romans 10:17 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
As we prepare for Easter through this Lenten season, let us give ourselves time to hear and to know Jesus. His desire for us to hear His Word is waiting be fulfilled in our lives:
John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (NKJV)
Prayer: Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we ask for "meetings" with Your Son. Amen.
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Thanks for an encouraging word Pat.
You have inspired me to try your approach, Pat. THANK YOU.
(Texas)
Wow! Blessings to you as you continue your ‘journey’ with the Risen Christ, our Living Lord!
Wonderful thoughts Pat! The experience of those two disciples on the road to Emmaus is one of my favorite Scriptures. Isn’t it interesting that their eyes were opened only after Jesus broke the bread? Yes, we too will personally encounter the Risen Lord when His Word becomes alive in our hearts.
Blessings.
Hi Pat:
You fooled me this time. I didn’t clue in to you being the writer as I sometimes do. But I must admit, I had to look to see who the writer was before I finished reading your wonderful devotional. I thought that it would be a minister or someone who had been to theology school.
Thank you for sharing your insights with us. They are always so teachable.
Blessings.
Yes Pat Faith comes in many different ways. At the moment Jesus died on the cross the veil of the temple that enclosed the Holy of Holies was torn in two by the hand of God. The now-open veil lets us enter into His presence to seek and receive forgiveness for our sins, so that one day we will come into His Presence to live with Him in eternity. This opens our eyes and ears that were restrained to a new way of seeing scripture and knowing its truth. May God bless you as the scriptures open anew leading to Love in the name of Jesus.
This is so true. I have had several experiences this past year that speak of this reality. Last weekend I went to the movie “Son of God” presented by Roma Downing of the “Touched by an Angel” T.V. series and her husband Mark Barnett. In the past I saw “The Passion of the Christ” several years ago. Both showed the brutality of the crucifixion of Christ. To me at least “Son of God” was shown from a believer’s perspective. “The Passion of Christ” was shown from a actor’s perspective. I would definitely suggest seeing “Son of God” with its many quotes from God’s word as well as the cinematography. I have never been to the Holy Land but having gone to “Son of God” I feel I went there on film.
Good morning Pat:
Faith indeed does come from hearing and hearing from the word of God.
We learn at any age and regardless of how learned we are when we listen to and ponder while reading God’s blessed word.
Your words, “My Bible was transformed from an academic textbook to be studied into a precious personal message talking to me about God’s love. I am beginning to know more of Jesus as I “listen” to real people talk about Him.”
God blessed you this winter, He is a wonderful Lord.
Many thanks for your fine devotionals.
God bless.
Dear Pat Bell,
Thanks for this very fine devotional.
I suggest that, after you read all of the gospels, you go on to the book of Ephesians. Ephesians enlightens us as to why Jesus said that it was better if he would go away — He would send his Holy Spirit.
Keep writing.