Luke 24:15–35 ‘But they were kept from recognising him.’ (v16)
The two despondent disciples walking along the road are clearly confused about everything that has happened in their lives lately.
The One they thought was going to set their people free from captivity has suffered a terrible death, and yet there are reports that He is alive (vv20–24).
A man starts to walk with them, and He asks questions. He is obviously no ordinary traveller. He begins to explain events (vv25–27).
They must have found Him interesting company, because they invite Him to stay with them.
It’s only when He breaks the bread during the meal (vv30–32) that they recognise Him. It seems Jesus’ resurrected body was quite different from ordinary human bodies – He seems to be able to appear and disappear!
For example, He disappeared from view in this story (v31). He was also initially unrecognisable to Mary in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 20:14).
Sometimes, in our difficult circumstances, our stress, our wandering away from Him, it can feel very much as if He has left us.
But He promised, once we began to follow Him, that He would always be with us (Matt. 28:20).
If we just stop our busyness, sit awhile in the silence, perhaps we can begin to discern His presence afresh.
It’s in the small things that we may recognise Him, the familiar things of life; the breaking of bread in the presence of friends; a quiet walk thinking about who He is.
As we take time to consider our walk with Him, we will surely be able to discern His presence, walking with us.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Father, I know You will never leave me. Increase my faith. Help me to spend more time with You, discerning Your presence in Your Word and my life. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Are you feeling as if God is not there? Sit quietly for a few minutes, asking God to assure you of His presence. Believe His promise. He hasn’t left you!
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 91:1–16 & 139:1–24; Matt. 28:1–20; Heb. 13:1–8
