Walking the Road to Emmaus: Hearts Aflame

There is no one size fits all. So what can we do to fan that fire? We can do what we're doing now, worshiping with others. We can pray, read, find the media, the material that inspires you. Speak to Stuart about the latest podcast. Find something. Spend time with people whose hearts burn to talk about Jesus. Hebrews ten twenty four suggests, and let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another. [01:05:03] (60 seconds)

Along the roads of life, we carry questions, fears, and grief. But God, in God's goodness, sends companions to walk along with us. They might be friends, or teachers, or storytellers, or loved ones, or even strangers. All people who can help us see more clearly. And if we stop to think about it in those moments, our eyes are opened, and we can see Jesus walking beside us in ordinary moments, in conversations, in unexpected encounters. [01:03:09] (59 seconds)

And even when we don't recognize him, Jesus walks beside us. At some point, the conversation shifts. Jesus takes over, not abruptly, but powerfully. He corrects them and begins to tell a story. And not just any story though, the story. The story that they thought they already knew. The story that many of us think we've already got figured out. But he tells it in a way that brings it back to life. [00:58:21] (48 seconds)

So they explain it all to this uninformed stranger. And all the while, Jesus, because we know it's Jesus, listens. He lets them speak. He lets them process their thoughts. He meets them in their confusion, And he does the same for us. But we are Easter people. We know the story. We know what happened next. But we do still have our roads to Emmaus. Those moments of confusion, of grief, sorrow, and questioning. [00:57:20] (61 seconds)

Now, we don't know why they didn't recognize him sooner, but we do know this. He did not leave them in their pain and confusion, and he does not leave us either. He waits for an invitation, and he'll stay if we invite him to. Then comes the moment at the table. He takes bread, he blesses it, he breaks it, and gives it. And suddenly, their eyes are opened. They recognize him. [01:00:51] (49 seconds)

So what did those two disciples do next? They didn't stay where they were. They got up immediately and went back to share the news. Because once you've truly recognized Jesus, you can't keep it to yourself. Jesus is risen. Jesus is here. Jesus is walking beside us even when we don't recognize him, even when we are confused, even when hope feels distant. [01:09:22] (47 seconds)

So talk about him. Invite him to stay. Let your heart burn, and go and share the news. Because he is not just part of the story, he is the story, and we can walk with him forever. Amen. [01:10:09] (42 seconds)

But wherever we are, he is there. The risen Lord walking beside us if we choose, and if we want it, our hearts can burn with joy. So, there are many ways for a heart to burn. Some people are like blazing fires, full of energy and expression, to man the barricades, protest for peace and justice at the drop of every hat. Others are quiet embers, steady, faithful, glowing gently, and but you know that they can be counted on. [01:04:07] (56 seconds)