Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Journey – to Emmaus!

Luke 24v32 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road.”

On the evening of the resurrection, two disciples (additional to “the 12”) were walking the 7 miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were behind on the latest news; all they knew was that Jesus had been killed. Naturally, they were extremely upset. But on that journey of mourning, Jesus came incognito, alongside them and chatted with them. As they ate with him in their home in Emmaus, Luke reports, “Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him.” (24v31) At the moment of recognition, suddenly all that Jesus had told them fitted together and they excitedly returned to Jerusalem to tell the others.

Last Sunday it was a joy to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection. It was also a joy to welcome in many who do not normally come. Each one of us is on a journey and Jesus is walking beside us whether we recognise Him or not. He is sharing little truths with us. And then suddenly God switches on the light in our hearts, and his teachings fit together. I had a moment like that this last week: I was reading in Romans and I suddenly realised something that I don’t think I had ever realised before. Jesus has much to teach us and he wants us to be enlightened. It is so exciting when he does!

I encourage us to pray for all we know who are on a journey with God, including those with us on Sunday morning. They have heard some of the good news, some have taken booklets to understand further. Let’s pray God to switch the light on in their hearts and minds and they recognise Jesus for who he is – the risen Lord.

With love and blessing,

Roland