Praying for Open Eyes
Scripture Reading — Luke 24:13-35
They were kept from recognizing him. . . . Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him . . .
The two travelers to Emmaus were deeply disappointed. The person they had believed to be the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, had been put to death. To add to their confusion, they were told earlier that day that the tomb where Jesus had been buried was empty. And when a stranger joined them on their way home, they didn't recognize that it was "Jesus himself," risen from the dead.
We often have difficulty recognizing that Jesus is with us. It's possible to spend an entire day and not realize that Jesus has been right there. It's possible to read our Bible and not hear him speak. It's possible to go through the motions and words of prayer without paying attention. It's possible to sit in church and profess our faith and celebrate communion—and still not realize we are in the presence of our Savior and Lord.
On the Emmaus road Jesus walked with the two travelers and taught from the Scriptures. He even went in to eat with them. But they did not recognize him till he opened their eyes as he broke bread and gave thanks.
You and I can experience Jesus' presence today because he has promised to be with us always. Take a few moments today and ask yourself if anything is keeping you from recognizing the presence of the Savior. Ask him to open your eyes so that you can see him at work in your life.
“Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see Jesus.” Please help us to experience your presence here and now. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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