Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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          Communion with Risen Lord in Daily Life

                            Luke 24:13-33               

                           Rev. Manoj Idiculla

                           Carmel MTC, Boston

“Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” Vs. 28

Disappointment is a reality of life. On our journey of life, things don’t often happen as we expect. In this post-resurrection appearance in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus confronted two of His disciples who were ignorant, filled with doubt, and confused. It was not that they did not believe the Scripture; but that their understanding of it was deficient—and a deficient knowledge of Scripture is insufficient and dangerous. Therefore Jesus opened the Old Testament Scripture to them and dispelled their darkness and confusion about Him with the light of truth. The story of this encounter, like our own journey of faith, may be viewed from three perspectives: Understanding, Receiving, and Reminding

Understanding the Presence of Christ in our Life Journey

While they were talking and discussing these disastrous events, trying to make sense out of what had turned their world upside down, Jesus joined them. Jesus drew near while they were absorbed in their talk, and was already walking with them when they observed him (Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 434). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.)We see how God is already working before we notice. He works on hearts, prepares situations and is present with us in all our life situations.

Receiving hope and courage to face our life situation.

It doesn’t take long in the journey of faith to be disappointed. Things happen that we don’t expect, and difficulties occur that we didn’t realize. God continually challenges our preconceptions. His way is not our way. Unless we continually re-examine our expectations against scripture, we will be discouraged. The Emmaus discussion underscores the point that the traumatic events surrounding Jesus are part of God’s plan of deliverance. What they have seen is not the end of hope, but it's beginning. (Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (p. 614). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

Reminding us to change our direction

When the truth of Scripture becomes clear, the heart is set on fire for joy and for testimony. They immediately headed back to Jerusalem to share with the others the knowledge that they alone possessed—that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection were firmly grounded in the Old Testament. God’s plan was being fulfilled and ‘the Lord is risen’.

PRAYER

Help us O Lord to walk in communion with you. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"Because of the empty tomb, we have peace. Because of His resurrection, we can have peace during even the most troubling of times because we know He is in control of all that happens in the world." – Paul Chappell

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