JESUS WALKS OUR ROAD

On that first Easter day all Jerusalem was astir over the dramatic accounts over the empty tomb. Two disciples, one named Cleopas, were traveling westward to the village of Emmaus, a distance of about seven and one half miles. All day, since very early morning, reports and rumors were flying about the resurrection of Jesus. As they walked Cleopas and his companion were talking, trying to solve out the real truth of all this.


A stranger joined their company, but they did not recognize him as Jesus. He asked them what they were discussing. Cleopas answered, "You must be a stranger and the only one in all Jerusalem who hasn't heard about these things."


"What things?" He asked.


"Why about Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet ... who was delivered by our rulers to be condemned to death by crucifixion! We hoped He would deliver Israel. This is the third day since it happened. Early this morning certain women went to the grave. They said they saw angels. They said Jesus was alive!"


Jesus, when He had a chance to speak said, "Oh, foolish and slow to believe people!" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, Jesus expounded all the holy scriptures that spoke of Him. Wouldn't you like to have a transcript or a tape recording of that Old Testament summary! There wouldn't be any commentary ever written that could match it for accuracy, authority or completeness!


When they reached Emmaus and stopped for the night, Jesus, still unknown to them, seemed to be going on. They begged Him to stay overnight with them. He consented. As they sat down for what we suppose was a simple meal, He assumed the role of host, took bread, blessed, broke and gave to them. At once, they knew Him, but in a flash, He was gone! Was it when He offered the blessing that they knew Him? We will never know.


In shocked surprise they asked each other, "Didn't our heart burn within us when He opened up the scriptures?" This must be what one would call a holy heartburn. Now their questions were settled; and more than that had heard a commentary on prophecy like none other! So they hotfooted it back to Jerusalem faster that they had came. They had barely reached their destination and met the eleven when Jesus appeared in their midst.


We cannot know why Jesus went out on the Emmaus road to reassure and instruct two unknown disciples when hundreds of others were just as perplexed. It is not for us to know. What we do need to know and remember is that Jesus also walks our road. It is possible for us to contact Him and have fellowship with Him. Do you remember His promise to send another Comforter? Jesus was a Comforter and the Holy Spirit was and is a Comforter. The Greek word for Comforter is the manuscript text is Paraclete. Incidentally, in I John 2:1, Jesus is referred to as Advocate, and the Greek is Paraclete. Now we refer to John 17:17, where in His High Priestly prayer Jesus prays for the sanctification of the justified believers that they may be one even as He and the Father are one, verse 22. So Jesus and the Father are one; and Jesus the Paraclete and the Holy Spirit the Paraclete operate as one. These are three persons, but one in essence. A mystery? Yes, but true! If you can't understand the Three -in - One Trinity, don't let it bother you. All of us deal with stuff every day that we don't understand - electronics, space travel, and, yes, computers also.


When I stated this blogging business, the first two responses I had were from Jere Gowin in Ghana and Chris Sumpter in Mongolia. That's half way around the world in that vast forgotten piece of real estate somewhere north of China.


Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach us, would "take the things of mine: and show them unto us," that he would guide us and show us things to come. He's a Master Teacher. If we live close to Him, walk in the light, sincerely pray and listen for that "still small voice," there will be times of that heartburn that doesn't need Rolaids nor any other antacid medication.


If you don't have clear connections, check out your reception facilities. His program is operational 24 hours, nonstop. With your Bible reading and prayer, allow some quiet time for meditation and reflection. Take time for devotions. It's a good investment.


Jesus walks the same road you travel, and if you travel by car or plane, He will not have trouble catching up! Go with God, and He will go with you.


Happy Traveling!