Hearts burning within
Today's focusOn the Emmaus road Jesus opens the Scriptures to two discouraged disciples, and they recognise him in the breaking of bread.
Read
25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Reflection
Walking the road to Emmaus, two disciples were "slow of heart" to understand why their Lord had suffered. As they traveled, Jesus drew near and walked with them, though they did not yet recognize Him. He took the time to explain the Scriptures, showing how the words of Moses and the prophets pointed to Himself. Even in their confusion and grief, Jesus was present, opening the truth to them along the way.
The disciples felt their "heart burn within" as Jesus talked with them, yet it was at the table where their "eyes were opened." When He took bread, blessed it, and broke it, they finally knew Him. This reminds you that even when the day is "far spent" and you feel discouraged, Jesus is willing to "abide with us." He meets you in the quiet moments of explanation and in the simple act of breaking bread. He is not a distant figure of the past, but the risen Lord who walks beside you, making Himself known in the scriptures and at the table.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
When has Scripture made your heart 'burn within you', and how can you make room for that this week?
Pray
Lord Jesus, walk with me on the road of my disappointments. Open the Scriptures to me and let my heart burn as you speak. Make yourself known to me in ordinary moments.