Day 2

Written by Ps. Craig Maher

The Fork in the Road

Read

Luke 24:13-16, 28-35

Reflect

"As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him." — Luke 24:15-16 (NIV)

How could the disciples on the Emmaus road not recognise Jesus? They were returning from Jerusalem, where Jesus had been arrested, tried, tortured, crucified, and buried. Now his body was gone, amid rumours flying that He had risen from the grave.

Just a week earlier they probably had walked with Jesus as He rode a colt into Jerusalem. They had hoped He would declare Himself king and take up the ancient throne of David. But instead, He was arrested, sentenced, and then crucified. And now they heard tell of an empty tomb and a missing body! As they wandered home to Emmaus, they wondered about what might have been.

We know Jesus rose from the grave, yet we too can still live in the dark about His presence, or even ignore Him. At this point, those two disciples were in the dark since Jesus hadn't revealed Himself to them. They must have wondered, who this person was, who didn't seem to know what had happened in Jerusalem. So they filled Him in.

As Jesus responds to them teaching about what the Scriptures promised regarding the Messiah, their hearts burned within them. They came to a fork in the road. As this "stranger" seemed to be going a different direction they were faced with a choice: do they let Him go, or invite Him in.  

Walking the resurrection road is still challenging today. Living consciously and intentionally in Jesus' presence is a daily challenge. We so readily miss the reality of Christ with us. Yet this is our hope: Christ is with us whether we recognise Him or not. Look for Him. Immanuel, "God with us," walks with us. 

Open your heart to Him afresh today as He says to you: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

We too, are faced with many "forks in the road" and have the opportunity to invite Him in.

Respond

Today Lord, open my eyes to see as You want me to see.  

Lord, let me see my family, friends and neighbours as You see them.  

I declare You are my God, and besides You, there is no other.  

I open my heart to You and want to be led by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.