BURNING HEARTS

I have sat for days funneling through my thoughts and feelings in the wake of such sadness and confusion, trying to make some sense out of all that has happened over the last few months.

I remember not so long ago watching images from Italy of sickness and death and reports that this is a picture of what's to come. It was hard to not let fear set in as we heard about a shortage of hospital beds and ventilators. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, our country was shut down and lock downs began. Suddenly our speech became about the number of cases, death tolls, flattening curves, job loss, unemployment and small business closures. Hurting people everywhere fighting not to lose hope, yet honoring those willing to risk their lives to help the hurting.

Our world seemed to be unified for a minute. A minute...

Then that moment. That moment that forever changed me as we watched in disbelief a man's life brutally taken from him before our eyes. Our speech turned to injustice, division, murder, and racism. As I write through tears, it's hard to find the words to describe the pain I feel in my heart. As I watch the world turn upside down in sadness and destruction, I find myself on the road to Emmaus.

In the Gospel of Luke chapter 24, Luke tells us about this day. Three days after the crucifixion, two of Jesus' followers were walking on the road to Emmaus. As they walked, they talked through sadness about all that had happened. So as it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. (v.15) I love that. Jesus was already with them, and in their sadness and confusion, He drew near.

Scripture tells us their eyes were restrained. They didn't recognize Him. They had previously followed him, yet now were blinded to who He was. They felt hopeless in their circumstances and what seemed senseless and tragic in their eyes.

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus took a seven mile walk with two guys. Two guys, who were sad and confused. They felt hopeless; He drew near. They were confused; He carefully unveiled revelations of Himself through Scripture. Jesus walked with them. He listened. He cared. He shared. But most importantly, He offered Himself .

In there time together, Jesus reminded them of what they already knew, but grief and fear and shattered dreams had blinded them to what was True. As they shared a meal together, Jesus blessed and broke bread and gave it to them and their eyes were opened. Hope was alive.

Their response was tangible.“Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"(v.32). Even when they didn't know it was Jesus, He consumed their hearts. They ran back to Jerusalem, found the eleven disciples and told them all that they saw. Jesus was suddenly standing among them, "Peace be with you" and He opened their understanding, reminding them of who He is and why He came.

Father, bring unity as only You can do. Consume our hearts. Draw near to us as we draw near to You. Give us Your eyes to see through the brokenness around us. Remind us of Your love and who You are. Bind up the brokenhearted. Reveal our hearts so we turn from our wicked ways. Help us to embrace each other. May we stand firm against injustice and stand up for righteousness and justice for all. Give us compassion. Make us question askers and intentional in getting to know each other as we honor the beauty in our differences, knowing You made us different on purpose. We welcome You in this place, In Jesus Name.

It's from a heavy heart I pray. Will you join me? Amen.

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