What does one do when a life plan falls apart? What to do when a person you loved and put your hope in dies? Where does one turn for guidance when the one who died was the provider of guidance to this new and better life plan, a hopeful, bright understanding and approach to life? And to add confusion to low spirits, the light died in darkness. Hope was overcome by a heavy heart.
Such was the plight of the two former Christians walking away from Jerusalem down the seven-mile (11 km) road to Emmaus. The Sunday morning that Jesus’ spirit and soul reentered his regenerated body, Cleopas (18) and another disciple were trying to accept that they had to answer these questions, for Jesus, the one they believed was the Messiah, was crucified, died, and was buried.
Jesus was concerned about his dejected disciples. Though Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning, their life outlook was hopeless and bleak, God did not forget them. Though they ran away when he was arrested and did not say one word or do one thing in his defense, Jesus did not give up on them. He came to them, though Jesus did not allow them to recognize him at first (16).
Jesus’ identity was hidden from them because they needed to know that they had lost hope, because it was not rooted in truth. Their hope was placed in the right person, but for the wrong understanding and incorrect reasons. Jesus revealed to them yet again why they should keep their hope.
Hope in Jesus can bring heartache when the reason and/or understanding for that hope is wrong. Yet, Jesus will never give up on those who put their faith and hope in him. He will try and try again to reveal the truth. Do not lose heart. Most must hear the same thing many times before pure faith comes to life.
