December 23 - Emmaus

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“Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” - Luke 24:32 (KJV)

Luke tells the story of two disciples walking home to Emmaus after the Passover. The day is light, but a darkness of despair is over them. They talk of the trial and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Soon they are joined by a Stranger, but in their disappointment they don’t recognize him. As they walk, the Stranger reveals from scripture what Christ was to be in humanity. The Messiah was not to take His throne in accordance with the desires of men. His words brought comfort and understanding. They began to feel hope as the Stranger was opening their minds that they might understand the Scriptures.

As the sun sets they arrive home but still hunger to hear more from Him. “Abide with us,” they said and He “went in to tarry with them.”

A meal is prepared and as He blesses and breaks the bread their eyes are opened and they knew him and he vanishes. It is the Lord Jesus! He has risen from the dead!

Immediately they return to the city. The night is dark, but the Sun of Righteousness is shining upon them. Christ is a living Savior. Christ is risen! They must tell the wonderful story of the walk to Emmaus. They must tell who joined them on the way. They carry the greatest message ever given to the world, a message of the risen Savior upon which the hopes of humanity depend for all eternity

Pastor Paul Kenyon
Sturgeon Bay Seventh Day Adventist



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