12/10/2021
There are times in our lives of faith that we find ourselves sad. We feel like our spirits have faded and that our prayers are falling rather than rising from our lips. We continue on in our belief, but the joy in us has been diminished in some way. When this occurs we have lost sight of the fact that God is there with us, and that Jesus is abiding in us… we are saddened, perhaps disappointed, or mourning, even though we are standing in the very presence of God. Oh how incredulous we are, even while we are walking towards Emmaus with Jesus. In this glorious moment we are not seeing, or realizing, that He is speaking to us. This occurred on the road to Emmaus, and it happens to us today.
“While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.”
Luke 24:15-17 ESV
For many years now, I have started my days by thanking God for His presence and many blessings. Even as I am thanking Him I realize that Jesus is abiding in me, and the Holy Spirit is swirling about me. I have been obedient by writing my early morning devotional messages, reading scripture, praying for many souls, and specifically by lifting in name three special pastors. I have done this every day, and into the night, without fail. I begin before the sunrise, before going out into the world to counsel, and before I do the other things of faith we are all called on to do each day. But last week, I found myself traveling along my own road to Emmaus, a journey on which I found myself exhausted. I have honored the Lords call each day while the world slept, long before the sun rose, I have been awakened, and set about doing all that has been asked of me. This takes a physical toll on a person until, after many years, I found myself sitting with God, and confiding in Him that I had grown very tired, and that I didn’t know how much longer I could physically continue on in this demanding calling He had given me. None of us are immune to such moments.
“And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?””
Luke 24:17-18 ESV
I didn’t ask him to be called out, or to do anything specific for me, I just made the statement, and then embraced Him by collapsing wearily into His arms. Within the course of a couple of hours I started receiving unsolicited emails of encouragement. Some quite simple like one saying “So Beautiful!”, another from a seasoned pastor who said that when he began reading my devotional each morning it had rekindled his faith, and how it had impacted his spiritual life. Another spoke of how they had been praying for me for years, and how God had answered their prayers for me beyond all they could have expected… none of these knew of my conversation with God earlier that morning, and yet the encouragement came as if it had been requested. This was a gift that opened my eyes, refreshed me, and was my moment at the table with Jesus.
“So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.”
Luke 24:28-31 ESV
We all have moments when, despite our close relationship with God, and Jesus Christ, we find ourselves physically exhausted, and our faith being effected by the weariness our bodies feel. Sometimes all we want to do is close our eyes and sleep, but if we will do as the two travelers on the road to Emmaus did when they asked Jesus to stay and break bread with them, or just tell the Lord of our weariness, and fall into His arms… then we will find ourselves rejuvenated, renewed in faith, and strengthened. Miracles happen every day, and sometimes they are worked through us without our knowing… a simple word “Amen!”, a brief encouragement “That’s beautiful!”, or a kind gesture, these things can be made holy, and can impact so many.
“They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
Luke 24:32-35 ESV
Are we weary travelers today that have faced some kind of disappointment, or hardship, that had made us sad, and drawn a veil over our faith? Perhaps we are physically exhausted by the journey we have been on, or by answering the calling we have been given. If this is true it is time to lean back into arms of God, open our eyes to the fact that He, and Jesus have been present with us all along, and that They are ready to rekindle the flame in us.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”
2 Timothy 1:6-9 ESV
If you are tired right now then consider this message your letter of encouragement, and the miracle you have been needing. Take heart because you are the child of God and His strength is in you. Lean back in prayer, close your eyes, and accept what has been prepared for you… the flame of a burning faith!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us the strength to do the hard things you call us to every day. Thank you for the rest that restores us, and your Word that nourishes us. Help us to see you as you move about us all the day long, and to dream the dreams of Jesus, and the righteous, throughout our restful nights. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who touches us when we need comfort, strengthens us in our weakest moments, and gives us courage to face all fear. Praised be your name for holding us while we are replenished in your arms, and for sending us encouragement when we are sad and need it desperately. Merciful are you whose angels carry our prayers in silver bowls, and whose saints bring us relief by rubbing the salve of joy, rest, and encouragement, on our aching bodies. Your grace is sufficient for us Father, and your Holy Spirit our guide gives us understanding. Wash us in the blood of Jesus, and give us His peace, even as we find our burden to be light in Him. Make us worthy in your Son, and seat us with Him at your table forevermore.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 ESV
Rich Forbes