Those two disciples had walked some seven miles unaware that the Stranger whom they could see and touch was the risen, living Christ. They hurried back over the same road certain that the Risen Christ whom they could no longer see would never leave their side. We have never seen or known Jesus’ visible, physical presence, but we can and should have the joyful, burning conviction that He is alive and with us now and always. This fact lifts our hearts and gives a new dimension to our lives. The same Jesus who walked with the Emmaus disciples walks with us, every day, everywhere. He lives! He is with His disciples still. Let us live in the realization of His nearness. As the Emmaus disciples poured out their despondent hearts to Him, let us learn always to turn to the Risen Christ with all our hopes and fears, all our problems and successes, all our joys and sorrows.
The two from Emmaus didn’t hesitate to lay their darkest doubts before the Lord, though at the time they didn’t know to whom they spoke. You know Who it is Who walks with you. It is the Abiding Christ. Do not hesitate to bring your doubts and misgivings to Him. Do not hesitate to lay your deepest personal problems before Him. Do not imagine that any trouble is too great, or any distress too small to take to the Lord of life. Why keep that which disturbs, disrupts, and distracts bottled up within, when at your very side your Savior waits to bring His strong love to bear upon your problems. Turn to Him. Talk to Him. He is not dead. He lives! He is not distant. He is near. He is at your side. He is not powerless. He is the conqueror of death and the devil.
Christ’s stronger still than death and hell,
There is no foe He cannot quell.
There is no stone He cannot roll
From off the prisoned, suffring soul.
Do not let your problems and sorrows, your griefs and burdens poison your life. Learn to live and walk in the reality of His nearness. Turn to Him now. In your innermost heart ask Him now—ask Him to keep you constantly aware of His nearness. And then listen, listen for His voice. From your side, from His Word, He speaks to your heart: “I am with you always.”
O Christ, our Savior, Helper, Friend,
Be with us till our journey’s end.
In mercy guide us by Your grace
Till we behold Your glorious face. |
