But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel… Luke 24:15
What have you hoped for recently?
- A good friend hoped that God would cure his wife of cancer this side of heaven.
- Another friend hopes that his son will return home.
- A couple hopes they will get pregnant.
- A man hopes he will land a job.
- A son hopes his father will affirm him.
- Yet another hopes to break free of addictions
Hope is powerful. But when things don’t turn out as we hope and it looks like Satan is winning, what’s a man to do?
Two of Jesus’ followers simply left town and headed to Emmaus.
Luke 24 starts at the dawn of Resurrection Day…
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb… Luke 24:1
We read about the missing body, an encounter with an angel, the announcement that ‘he is risen’, a reminder of what Jesus had told them, notification of the remaining disciples and Peter running to the tomb… much happens in the first 12 verses. Jesus’ followers were confused. Peter went home marveling at what had happened. Luke 24:12b
But it concludes as evening comes on Resurrection Day. This is my favorite part of the resurrection story…
That very day… Two of them went on a 7 mile walk to a village named Emmaus. Here’s where it gets interesting…
While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them… Luke 24:15
(I won’t cite the whole story here. I encourage you to read it for yourself… perhaps on Sunday evening. And then go for a walk.)
These men were disillusioned and discouraged. The one they hoped would redeem Israel had been murdered on a cross and now his body was missing. Things just didn’t add up. … then, Jesus begins to walk with them (but they were kept from recognizing him). As they walked together, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27
As they walked, Jesus revealed Truth to them. There was no reason for despair. All of scripture pointed to this moment. Finally, the pieces came together. Satan had not won. Hope was not lost. The Savior had come and carried out the will of His Father. Jesus had overcome.
And, in the midst of their despair and discouragement, he walked with them.
Later, Jesus did reveal himself to them. They were astonished and departed quickly to tell the others.
Friends, I love the image of walking with Christ. I love the clarity that comes when I read the scriptures then go for a walk. Could I suggest that you do that this weekend. Perhaps on the evening of Resurrection Day, you might go for a walk and follow these disciples’ example. Tell Jesus what you’ve been hoping for and what you’re struggling with. Let him know of some areas where it might look like Satan has a grip on your life. I believe Jesus will help you understand that he’s still in control.
Satan has been defeated, he can only take the ground he’s given by the All Powerful One!
Hope is not lost.
Hope is alive!
He is risen!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV