On the Appalachian Trail, I hiked more than 10 hours one day to Elk Pond Mountain. Buoyed by spectacular views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, I clipped along in the morning. But by late afternoon I was dragging.
That’s not how it was for two followers of Jesus, though, as they retraced the seven-mile journey back to Jerusalem from the village of Emmaus.
Luke doesn’t tell us much about them, but earlier that day they were deeply engaged in discussing Jesus’ death and their surprise about his empty tomb. They didn’t even notice when Jesus himself quietly joined them on the road. Hearing their bewilderment, Jesus challenged their understanding about him, clarifying that the Messiah came to suffer and die before rising again to enter his glory. When they reached Emmaus, they invited Jesus in to eat. And in the breaking of the bread “their eyes were opened and they recognized him” as the risen Lord! Then Jesus suddenly vanished. Forgetting all fatigue, they jumped up and raced back to Jerusalem.
Following his resurrection, Jesus was full of surprises, and they advanced his purposes in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. Even today, though we know some things about the final outcome of God’s plan, we can’t be sure of all the details. So let’s be sure to keep worshiping and serving him as he leads us by his Spirit.
Lord Jesus, you are risen, indeed! Help us to be on the lookout for your ongoing work in our lives and in our world. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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