Tuesday April 18, 2023

Today is Tuesday, April 18 and we are studying the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

I pause to center myself for this time of prayer. Slowly I breathe in and out, clearing my mind and welcoming the presence of Jesus Christ in my midst.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and shedding your blood for the salvation of my soul. Open the scriptures to me and reveal the amazing wonder of your suffering, death and resurrection. Amen.

I praise God for his steadfast love and lift up the ancient words of Psalm 16.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

Pause and Pray

The village of Emmaus is seven miles outside of Jerusalem. At a steady pace it would take approximately one and a half hours to journey between the two places on foot. On the evening of the Resurrection, two men walked together and processed the events of the past three days concerning Jesus. The one they had hoped to be the Messiah was arrested, sentenced to death, crucified and buried in a tomb. Yet just this morning a few of their women friends told them his body was not in the tomb and that Jesus was alive. As the two continued their sunset stroll towards home, a stranger joined them.

Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Luke 24:15b-21a

I find myself walking the dusty road to Emmaus alongside Cleopas and his companion. The living Christ is right there journeying alongside us and we do not recognize him. Often in my life Jesus himself has walked with me and talked with me and I have failed to recognize him. There are times on my journey when my hopes are dashed, when I stand immobilized with fear, when I am plagued with uncertainty, when I am downcast or filled with negativity. I attempt to walk alone, overlooking the presence of Jesus, forgetting to turn my eyes on him and underestimating the depths of God’s love and power.

Ask: When in the past has Jesus been right there beside me and I did not know it? How might I look for Christ’s presence in the course of my upcoming day?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming alongside me when I am uncertain, sad or confused. Help me recognize you in the course of my day as you walk with me and talk with me. Keep me from being distracted and busy with the things of this world and help me remember to keep my eyes fixed on you and the things of God. I place my hope and trust in you and you alone. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Luke 24:15b-21a

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I try to keep pace with Cleopas and his friend as I ponder the crucifixion and death of Christ. I consider what God wants me to discover from this passage of scripture. How does this Post-Resurrection appearance speak to my heart and life? Maybe I will travel to a new place today and Jesus will accompany me. Perhaps I will have a discussion that Jesus will be listening in on. What are the questions he might ask about my conversation? Maybe someone will ask me about Jesus. How will I respond?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, travel with me through the upcoming day. Help me keep pace with you and not get too far ahead or lag behind. In all my circumstances, I endeavor to turn my eyes upon you and stay close to your side. Let me hear your voice speaking to me over the din of the surrounding culture and keep me walking in the light of life. Amen.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

I leave this time of prayer to walk with Jesus, I go to carry his love to others and shine his light in the darkness.

Amen