Dearly beloved in the Lord, one of the awesome things about our Heavenly Father, is His OMNIPRESENCE, as Jer. 23:23, tells us that God is everywhere. It is therefore unfortunate for those who think they can succeed in pleasing God by being "eye servants".
WISDOM FOR TODAY
Lk. 24:13-35
Dearly beloved in the Lord, one of the awesome things about our Heavenly Father, is His OMNIPRESENCE, as Jer. 23:23, tells us that God is everywhere. It is therefore unfortunate for those who think they can succeed in pleasing God by being "eye servants". This is bad news for the hypocrites who can suit well in every context both worldly and Christian. Such people who become so pious in church but are enemies of the cross of Christ in the society must remember this, that our God is with us everywhere as His name is, "EMMANUEL."
Our text this morning tells of the encounter which two of Jesus' disciples had on their way to Emmaus after the resurrection of Jesus. The two were walking along and Jesus suddenly came and was going along with them but "God kept them from recognizing him". This was certainly to test their level of honesty and integrity, and to find out about what their discussions were like in his absence, what they believed in and even how they relate with strangers.
There are many people who are "eye servants". They would do all their best only when the master is watching them, so as to impress the master. So, they come on stage and act when the audience is there and behind the stage, they live their real selves. Such servants will be disappointed when at the end they discover that what they were doing behind the stage, was as closely watched as what they did on stage.
There are many things we can learn from this text but I will like us to examine four of them.
1) JESUS WALKS WITH YOU EVERYDAY, TO TEST YOUR DISCUSSIONS
Marie T. Freeman is quoted to have said "When you talk, choose the very same words that you would use if Jesus were looking over your shoulder. Because He is!" The post-resurrection people must mind their words. Imagine if the two disciples were into some carnal or obscene talking as many people do today. Your discussions matter to the Lord and so you must watch the kind of discussions you involve yourself with for Christ is right there always but God may keep you from recognizing Him.
2) THE RISEN CHRIST IS WITH YOU, TO TEST YOUR LEVEL OF FAITH
Jesus questioned them about the happenings in Jerusalem, to know what their standpoint was. When many people go through challenges, they say anything about God. Some even question His power and existence. The disciples told the story of Jesus with some regrets because they said in verse 21 that "we had hoped that this man Jesus was going to set Israel free". What do you say about Jesus when you go through trying moments of faith?
3) JESUS WALKS WITH US TO TEST OUR KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE
How much desire do you have to study the word of God and believe in it? Jesus reminded the disciples of what the prophets had written about the Messiah. He was angry that these disciples had been too slow to understand all that is written down in scripture. Jesus is right there with you, and He is angry that you are still doubting what is written in scripture. Clear your doubts by studying the word and believing what you study. If you are in doubts, ask Jesus to interpret for you and give you understanding.
4) JESUS WALKS WITH US TO TEST OUR DEGREE OF OBEDIENCE
He tested these disciples with just the issue of how much love and concern they had for fellow humanity. When they got to Emmaus, it was getting dark and the disciples had reached the destination but Jesus pretended as if He was going farther. This was to test their degree of love for strangers. How many of us would have passed that test? Do you care for those you don't even know? While at home they showed hospitality by giving Him food. Once you receive Jesus into your Home, He reveals Himself to you, as He said in Mt. 10:41 "whoever welcomes the prophet, shall receive the prophet's reward.
The risen Christ is with us always even when we don't notice His presence. So, our Christianity must not be a kind of theatre act where we stage and go back to live differently behind the scenes, but Christianity must be our way of life. Living like Christ should be your greatest desire.
The risen Christ is with us, to clear our doubts and to revive our hopes. So live daily for him who died for you. HAPPY EASTER
PRAYER
Almighty God, omnipotent and omnipresent God, you deserve the glory for all that you are and for all you have done for us. We are sorry for not living up to expectation and for failing you over and over. You are God and there is no other. We can not hide anything from you because you know us both in and out. Help me to live every day in the light of your love, in holiness and righteousness before you, all the days of my life. May I not doubt your word which I read and hear. With you by my side Lord, I am confident that all is well. Amen
Rev Mrs Ntsam Emelda Bih
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