Feb 19

And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. Luke 24: 15-16.

On the road to Emmaus, after the resurrection of Jesus, two disciples were walking and discussing what they thought had taken place. Jesus appears and asks them “What are the words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” They are unable to recognize Him. In the explanation that follows they say, “we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel”. (Luke 24: 21a). Certainly their views were very limited. It is not until Jesus explains the scriptures concerning Himself, and then serves them the bread with a blessing, that they finally recognize Him. It is so often that we are the same way! We have ideas about how Jesus should work with us, what He is to do, or how He must change others. We are literally blinded. Our fleshly state in Adam thinks it can make the best plans for God, when in reality our old nature has no room for Him. But we are a new creation. Jesus did not come to redeem Israel from the Romans; He came to redeem all persons from their sinful nature and to give us a new nature.

Often I have placed limits upon God. As a child I thought of Jesus as a “good guy” who went around carrying lambs. As an adult I began to think of Him as a helper, but the emphasis was still primarily on what I thought I could do. We need to grow beyond the “God is a helper” theme and realize that it is He alone who provides all the power to accomplish His works in us. He creates in us the desire and the motive to walk with Jesus. Out of that relationship will come all that is expected of us. Our works are rubbish by comparison.

Today, Lord, let me walk with You and recognize all that You are. By faith I will place no limitations upon what You can do. I will listen for Your Holy Spirit as He guides me.
In my new nature I will respond and place my faith in You, because that new nature is designed completely for that task. The communion of the broken bread reminds me of Your life that was broken for me. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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