Day 27: The Road To Emmaus
Phil lee (Luke 24 v 13-27)
This part of Scripture shows us:
Jesus draws near to us when we are troubled and want to be near Him. These men’s hearts were troubled about the events that had taken place over the last three days. They were confused and scared about what the women had reported concerning the empty tomb and the vision of angels. Yet Jesus reassures the men of His purposes and destiny by explaining how He fulfilled the ancient prophecies about Himself.
Still, the men didn’t recognise Him; they were too consumed by their own thoughts and fears. We can often fall into the same trap — even when we read the Word of God, our emotions can take over. They didn’t know why then, but something in them didn’t want to leave this man’s company, so they invited Him to stay with them.
Isn’t it wonderful how we don’t always know the full story of our walk, yet He draws near and we respond by just wanting Jesus above all else? In the unknowing, we can trust Him fully. In His presence, there is fullness of joy, reminding us that He is with us wherever we go. (Joshua 1:9; Matthew 28:20; Psalm 139:7–10)
Where can you apply these truths in your situations when you couldn’t or cannot see the end results — for your trial, for those around you, or for those you are praying for who are going through difficult seasons?
Reflect on a time when God showed up for you and opened your eyes to His presence and purposes for that moment or season.
If you are in the middle of an unknown season, perhaps reflect on your history with God. How did He bring you through your last time of need? Is God’s faithfulness fresh in your mind, or do you need a refilling of His love? It’s only a prayer away.
I remember a time in my life when I used recreational drugs, not only on weekends but also to keep me going while filling shelves at night in the supermarket I worked at. I felt invincible, unstoppable, and at the time thought I was having the time of my life! What I didn’t cope well with were the comedowns.
I remember going two days and nights straight without any sleep and with very little food. I had to double up on the hits to feel any kind of high at all. I had no idea how much I’d taken, but the higher I got, the harder the comedown would be. I remember a torrid time of feeling like my body was on fire and slipping in and out of consciousness. I ended up in hospital, very dehydrated, with a racing heart. Eventually, the medication helped, but I still had this awful dread of dying.
Once back home, I stayed in my bedroom for what seemed like days, completely paranoid and full of fear. I tried to tell myself I would be okay at first, but nothing I said seemed to help. In the end, I cried out to God: If You are real, please help me. I made a few promises that I broke.
A week or so after the event, I was back at a mate’s house because he had phoned me to say he had a batch of grass that was so potent it was causing him to trip. Of course, I didn’t resist much. I took one toke on the bong, and this immense fear engulfed my mind. I just had to get out of there fast. When I got home, I fell to my knees, crying out to God again to release me from this grip of fear.
God helped me never touch another unsubscribed drug. I didn’t fully commit back at that stage — that came some years later — but God was faithful to me along my road. Jesus made a way, so there is always hope, no matter how far you or those you are praying for have gone.
Be blessed in His presence today. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. And believe: eyes will be opened. Amen.
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect:
Think of a time when God showed up for you and opened your eyes to His presence and purposes for that moment or season. What did He teach you? How did He reassure you in your uncertainty?
If you are in the middle of an unknown season right now, pause and reflect on your history with God. How did He bring you through your last time of need?
Is God’s faithfulness fresh in your mind, or do you feel in need of a refilling of His love? Remember, it’s only a prayer away.
Find a quiet space and take a few deep breaths. Ask God to help you see Him in the midst of your current season:
Write down one or two situations where you cannot see the full picture, and surrender them to God.
Recall and record moments in the past where God’s faithfulness was evident. Let these memories remind you that He is at work even when you cannot see it.
Pray for fresh eyes and renewed hope, asking God to reveal His presence, purposes, and love in your current circumstances.