Monday, April 10, 2023

How Not To Worry

Resurrection week is over, and now we're dealing with the aftermath. We all have to get on with our lives and figure out how this monumental event impacts our daily lives. 

Resurrection impacts our lives in more ways than we can imagine; for the hopeless, it provides hope. For those experiencing anxiety, it can calm them.  

In this story, place yourself in it as you do your daily walk, where you are mulling over what just happened. 
Two despondent and hopeless disciples made a 7-mile journey to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). This was the third day, and they had no idea Jesus was alive. As a matter of fact, because they were not aware of his resurrection, they thought it hadn't happened or wouldn't happen. But the day was not over, and they simply did not know.

Cleopas and his partner were having an intimate discussion on what transpired the past week leading up to Jesus' tortuous crucifixion and his burial. It was all anybody could talk about. Then a third person joins them on their journey, wondering why they were so deeply engrossed in this conversation. As Jesus walks and listens, Jesus interrupts to find out what they were talking about. In their discouragement, Cleopas wonders how he doesn't know what happened in Jerusalem. Everyone knows; it's the talk of the town. Jesus then says, "What things?"

Cleopas proceeds to explain who Jesus of Nazareth was to Jesus himself. In his explanation, he mentions that they had hoped that this Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel. Then Jesus said, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 

Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. The Living Word spoke the Word. I would have loved to hear that sermon. Did He give them a clue each time He referenced himself? When He quoted prophecy so seamlessly, were they dumbfounded? I'm sure they wondered who this man was. 

Keep in mind this was a 7-mile journey, and it would seem for an hour or more, Jesus spoke about himself to these two disciples. Then as they sat down to eat, he blessed the bread and broke it, and in doing so, the disciples finally saw who He was - the resurrected Jesus. Then he disappears.

And those disciples, whose hope was now restored, made that 7-mile journey back to Jerusalem to share with the other disciples.

Jesus showed up in their discouragement and hopelessness, spent significant time sharing the scripture, and revealed himself to them so that they were no longer hopeless. With renewed hope and energy, they went back to Jerusalem.

The Living Word cares about the things in your life, the things that weigh you down and make you feel hopeless. The broken relationships, the difficult job, the complicated finances, and also the seemingly minor problems.  The washing machine that won't spin, the ripped skirt, the mess you made of your hair. He cares about it all because they impact you, but they don't have to stop you. Because he shows up in your discouragement, questions you, shares, then reveals Himself to you. And you are bolstered for the journey.

When I come across this question in God's word, it reminds me that the God of the universe cares about everything in my life. It gives me pause as I go through a list of things I can bring to his feet.  He already knows these things, yet He's asking so that in responding, we can receive hope from Him.

Prayer - Thank you, God, that you show up, question me, reveal yourself, and provide hope. You are worthy of my faith. Thank you for walking beside me and letting me know that restoration and resurrection are possible through you. Amen.

“What things?” he asked them (Luke 24:19).

What things? All the things you care about, Lord.


--Nylse


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13 comments:

  1. This is one of my favorite passages. I love the way Jesus opened the Scriptures for them, a visible picture of how the Holy Spirit teaches/reveals truth. Now I have more reasons to love this passage. I had not thought of the truth that Jesus showed up in their discouragement to reveal, teach, and be present.

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  2. I love this follow-up to Easter! Beautiful writing and perspective.

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  3. Enjoyed reading this article.
    Thanks for linking up at the Making a Home - Homemaking Link Up!

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  4. I love the way you retold the story and applied it to your life. Truly He knows about every detail in our lives and is right there with us. Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #InspireMeMonday.

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  5. You are so right-God cares about all the intimate details of our lives.

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  6. This >> "The God of the universe cares about everything in my life." You are so right - He is a God of details, right down to the minutest!

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  7. What a great encouragement about our beautiful Savior. So thankful that He continues to reveal Himself to us.

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  8. This is one of my favorite passages. This is such a beautiful message.

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  9. I love how you expanded on this passage. I feel like I was on the road with them.

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  10. I just love this. What a wonderful follow-up to Easter!

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I'm featuring you this week!

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  11. Hope you enjoyed a wonderful and blessed Easter. Thank you, I read your post and love it. Visited you via Homestead Blog Hop!. If interested, please hop over and come and share your posts with us at Senior Salon Pit Stop. See my entries: #12+13.... and navigate to the bottom of my page for SSPS linkup, we hope to virtually meet you there.

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  12. Thank you for the reminder that the Easter message is all about hope. I related to the discussion on a 7 mile walk. Hope you had a good Easter

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  13. Hope you had a happy Easter, thank you for sharing. I think we all need hope in our lives.

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