Then came Jesus!

The two travellers on the road to Emmaus had the air of men going to a home where they were expected (Luke 24:15).  They could invite a guest to stay the night and the evening meal was ready for them.  They had left Jerusalem on that same day, the day that had dawned with the resurrection, and they were on the road to a village seven miles from Jerusalem.  They had no prominence in the ministry but were in intimate fellowship with the disciples and knew where to look for them in the evening.  The two men were absorbed in eager conversation about all that had happened in the last three days.  They were so engrossed in their discussion about these things that they took no notice of the stranger who drew near.  The stranger caught up with them on the road.  Here we find Jesus Himself drawing near.

What is the secret behind Jesus himself drawing near?

On the road to Emmaus, we find their hearts filled with the thoughts of Jesus.  Mary Magdalene (John 20:10-18) was alone at the tomb after the disciples had left.  She stood outside the tomb weeping, and Jesus Himself appeared to her.  The disciples in the upper room were scared (John 20:19).  And there Jesus Himself appeared in their midst, true to His promise, "where two or three are gathered in My name I am in their midst " Do you see the pattern?  If Jesus and His Word fill our hearts and minds, then Jesus Himself will draw near.  Jesus himself draws near those who want to serve Him and live for him with single-minded devotion and dedication.  The Bible tells us, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3).  If the world fills our hearts and minds, we cannot hear Jesus or feel His Presence!

My friend, let us pray together Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers, that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen us with power through His Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17).  May the Lord draw close to us as we make Him the priority in our life!

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