Sunday 30 April 2017
- Bible Book:
- Luke
“What are you discussing … ?” (v. 17)
[In the Bible readings of the next seven days, in avariety of contexts, a number of people find it difficult torecognise Jesus. So an underlying question this week is how all ofus, living in our own unique personal and public contexts, bothrecognise and respond to Jesus in our everyday lives.]
Psalm: Psalm 116
Background
For many Christians, this is one of the loveliestpost-resurrection passages; indeed, one of the most meaningful ofall the stories of Jesus. At so many levels, the reader is able toengage with what happened on that road to Emmaus.
Perhaps you are going through a bad patch, or atime when God seems either remote or not interested. How can God, aloving God, allow such things to happen? Well, those two discipleson the road, going west into the growing darkness towards Emmauscertainly felt downhearted and rudderless with the recent events.Until of course the 'stranger' arrives and asks a question: "Whatare you discussing…?" As if he didn't know!
Most of the rest of the conversation is Jesuslistening to their narrative of the events surrounding his owntrial, death and subsequent disappearance. Importantly, beforeJesus offers the godly perspective, he listens to their own honestunderstanding. For us too, this honesty needs to be an importantpart of our prayer life. God wants us to tell God as it is, wartsand all: our anxieties as well as joys, our disappointments as wellas successes, our sheer bewilderment at international, national orpersonal events. Then, emptied and having let go of the weight, maywe be willing to hear God speaking, reminding us of divine love,and reassuring us that God will always be with us both in thisearthly chapter of eternity and for ever.
Recognising God seems to be easier for some thanothers. These two disciples offered the stranger hospitality and inthat act of grace received so much more; in the breaking of thebread they recognised Jesus - "their eyes were opened" (v. 31).Jesus does not force himself on any of us. Seeing Jesus in dailylife is up to us. An act of kindness, a loving response in anysituation, truth lovingly spoken to power, neighbourly living,gracious responses in times of difficulty, etc can all beinterpreted as seeing God, recognising Jesus, in action. For many,receiving the bread and wine of Communion is also one of thoseoccasions.
Whenever we do recognise God in daily living, mayour initial response be, like those disciples at Emmaus, to moveinto the light of dawning reality and to share such good news.
To Ponder
- If you were to give an example of recognising God in the worldaround you, what might it be?
- The disciples on the road to Emmaus immediately talked witheach other about what was revealed to them. Concerning the thingsof God, such fellowship is precious. If you have someone with whomyou can share, take time today to give thanks for their company andfaithfulness.