Devo Luke 24

Chapter 24
 13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about
seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything
that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other,
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from
recognizing him.  17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk
along?”  They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas,
asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that
have happened there in these days?”  19”What things?” he asked.  “About Jesus
of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before
God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be
sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the
one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since
all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to
the tomb early this morning 23but didn’t find his body. They came and told us
that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our
companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him
they did not see.”  25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart
to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer
these things and then enter his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the
Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning
himself.  28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted
as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is
nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.  30When
he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to
give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and
he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts
burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures
to us?”

 Meditation:
1. How many times have we lurched with broken spirits because the unexpected
seized the place of the expected and that with a wrenching disappointment?
In such moods even if what was expected comes to us, we cannot see it.  It
is unrecognizable to our pain and our splintered hopes and wishes.  The two
disciples saw it when Jesus broke the bread and blessed it.  Their hearts began
to burn.
2. So we too can be surprised and blessed by the God who is expected, but
rarely appears where and when and how we imagine.  It is God’s way to come
cloaked.  It is his way to come when the storm is peaking or fear deepest or
when hope is almost gone or, if we are honest, utterly gone.  It has always
been his way.  No resurrection without Golgotha.  No freedom without
Gethsemane.  What is the struggle that seemed impossible for you?  Are you
willing to surrender this to Jesus Christ?

Personal Note:
Christ brought hope from my desperation and misery in the area of seeking for a life partner.  When I recalled my past journals a few years back.  I felt that I am going to be lonely for the rest of my life.  I am grateful for God's Words and His reassurances along with the support of fellow believers during the rough times of my life.

Currently, I am in the midst of planning and praying for the direction of PGC English for 2012.  At this rate, it seems pretty impossible for a deep spiritual growth in leaders and more people coming in.  I have observed the work that God is doing in Crossroad.  I am willing to surrender all fears and worries at the foot of Christ.