Thursday, April 19, 2018
Luke 24:26-27 "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
IT WAS NECESSARY
Some estimate the trip at about three hours, but once the stranger joined them, the time must have gone faster, and it culminated in a most remarkable invitation. "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over."
Remarkable? Yes, when we consider that these two disciples are not just inviting, but urging a stranger! What if this stranger were to turn them over to the authorities? How can they trust him?
What brought on this invitation? This man had rebuked them! He had told them that they were foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had said about the Messiah. Ah, but then He had gone through the ancient prophecies with them, the familiar writings, the hopes and fears of all the years. And it was as though it was being opened before their eyes for the first time.
The things that had happened, the things that seemed so bizarre and out of control, the things that might even make them doubt God’s existence and loving care, these all had been foretold long ago by the Lord through the prophets.
It was necessary for the Christ to be wounded for our transgressions, to be bruised for our iniquities. The punishment had to be put upon Him for mankind to have peace, and healing. God had to punish sin, or become unjust. At the same time, however, if that punishment had fallen where it was deserved, it would have ground us to powder! But because He lives, we too shall live!
