He drew near

“While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” Luke 24: 15-16

This is a small part in a great story about two of Jesus’ followers walking together on the road that leads to the village of Emmaus, near Jerusalem in about 30 AD. They have lost their leader and good friend who has been brutally beaten and murdered by the Roman Empire. And, that very morning, they have heard stories that His body is now missing and that He has returned to life. They are lost and absorbed in questions and real doubts. They are so involved with their own thinking and conversation that they don’t realize another One has begun to walk with them on the road.  They don’t recognize him, either. Mystery.

There is no indication in this eye-witness record that the two invited Jesus to walk with them: He just showed up and engaged with them, where they were, as they went. He met them along the way. He asked them questions, challenged their perspectives, and then in a life-giving way, using scripture, He showed them the truth of their circumstances. He changed everything for them.

The result? Their hearts began to burn; their minds were opened and cleared; the personal effect of His presence and friendship was transformational, so much so that they didn’t want him to leave.  They invited him to have supper with them. “Stay with us, for it is toward evening…”

And He did just that: He sought them out, and they invited Him in, and life for these people was never the same again.

I am so encouraged by this story, because I have too long believed that seeking God’s presence and help in my life was all up to me. I had to get the words right, my heart right, the time right, the place right, the plan right, my mind right….lots of things to get “right” before He would be willing to help me. This is simply not true.

In my grief, confusion, pain, or broken hope….I am learning that Jesus seeks me out. He doesn’t wait for me to “get it right.” He joins my journey, sometimes interrupting it in ways I can’t anticipate or even recognize….but He changes me. God clarifies my way by teaching me about His way. He challenges my perspectives, all with the focus of reminding me about who He really is: the Pursuing Savior.

This is good news for weary travelers. I’m going for a walk.

“For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 

SMOOTHSTONE: God clarifies our way by teaching us about His way.