Time with Cleopas

Jesus was back and clearly the victor over sin and death. I'd feel like celebrating. He did too.

But it wasn't by appearing to the 5,000 that ate bread and fish ("Hey, I'm alive!") or even first to the band of friends. He shows up walking with this little known Cleopas and friend and chatting all the way to Emmaus . (Luke 24:13-27)

And even though they don't recognize Him and are sad about His death, He doesn't spit out, "Hey I'm alive". He listens as they exclaim, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (I'm thinking He must have choked back a chuckle.) And then He even asks  "What things?" And they start telling Him about His death and some women who now actually say He is alive.

It is so wonderful how Jesus listens. And when it is time for Him to speak, He reprimands them for not believing "and beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself". The guys are so intrigued and blessed that they talk Him into staying the night with them. They finally know Him in the bread breaking of supper.

What a personal, patient, loving way to spread the Good News. And these guys are on fire. As Jesus vanishes from their sight, they immediately run back the seven miles to Jerusalem to tell His friends. Only then after all prepared with faith, excitement , and expectancy, does Jesus appear to the group. 

Thank you Lord how You so wisely prepare ahead. Thank you for the personal, patient time you take with us. We delight in Your love.

A Tomb or Cradle?

Isn't it ironic that the only really wealthy type of house that our LORD lived in was a tomb? (Luke 23:44-24:12)   At least it was supposed to be a tomb.

The good religious leader, Joseph, had a new place cut in the rock that he planned for a tomb. It was evidently pretty massive with a stone door you could hardly move. And even with the dark sun-hiding cross time, this Joseph had not given up but was still "waiting for the kingdom of God". As Jesus had died, this councilman courageously went to Pilate and asked for His body. He carefully took it off the bloody cross, wrapped it in clean linen, and laid it to rest in that new tomb house. 

But we wonderfully know that death could not hold our LORD. Life came to that new house with such power and glory that the world would never be the same. And I'm guessing that the new "tomb" was never used to cover a decaying body. It probably was a place of wonder. A place that cradled this wonderful new life. 

God loves thrilling turn-arounds. 

Lord, help us to have the same kind of faith in the darkness that Joseph had. We'd love to be gifted with the presence of our Lord in places reserved for death. Turn our tombs into cradles.

Faith's Reward

What was it that the other thief said that accomplished such an amazing reward? All three on the crosses were looking like powerless, dying criminals. But the second thief said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:18-43) 

It was nothing but a wonderful statement of faith considering their circumstances. Despite their impending death, this robber still believed they both had a future. And Jesus was actually royalty on the verge of receiving a kingdom.

But how this criminal's faith was rewarded! Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Wow! Not only could he look forward to paradise, but he also would not be alone - in death or the afterlife. Jesus, the King of kings, promised to be with him.

Folks, that is our promise too! As we commit ourselves to Him in faith, He says "surely I am with you always".( Matthew 28:20)

Room in Your Heart?

How differently Jesus answered His interrogators in Luke 22:66-23:17! And it was not about people pleasing. Both parties got very angry. But His answers accomplished what was needed - a revelation of their heart.

The chief religious guys asked Him straight out, "Are You the Son of God, then?" And He said to them, "Yes, I am." To them it was a  sealing of His fate. He was guilty of blasphemy. Their answer must be death.

However Herod was hoping for a good performance from Jesus. He thought he might even see some grand miracle. But Jesus knew how to answer a fool. (Proverbs 26:4) When Herod questioned Jesus for some time," He answered him nothing."  So Herod just treated Jesus "with contempt and mocking". 

Really both parties were seeking their own agenda. And Jesus had the strength of character to be true to His course - no matter the response. He became the saving grace to us all - even to hearts that have no room for Him. Let us make ample room for Jesus today.

One Last Touch

It was time. Jesus had gone through the unimaginable agony of Gethsemane. Know anyone who has sweated blood? (Luke 22:24-65)

Judas had come and turned Him in. Jesus had seemed surprised the betrayal was with a kiss. It stung more than we can think .

Jesus'  friends suddenly woke up to the attack and struck back, hitting the high Priest's slave. But our Lord said, "Stop! No more of this." 

Then Jesus did it. Carving time and energy and love into this dark disastrous scene, He reached out and touched the bloody mess. He graced the hanging mangle on the side of the slave's head. He healed his ear. 

And in this one last touch, love poured out. Healing poured in. And abundant grace is seen.  No matter what the situation. How we love you Lord.

I Prayed for You

Peter was so confident: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22:24-46) Sometimes we can feel like things are going so well that we really can handle it. But we turn the corner, and we crash.

Peter sure did: "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

The good news is that God knows and has made provision - for Peter and for us. He tells Peter, "but I have prayed for you". And for us - "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."(Romans 8:34)

Peter was able to reconcile with Jesus, strengthen his brothers (verse 32), and become a leader in the church. With Jesus praying for us - who knows how good it will turn out.

His Earnest Desire

It's His last chance with them. And Jesus says, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer ". So what does He say? What does He do? (Luke 22:3-23)

The Word says, "When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him." He does not seem at all to be in a rush or anxious. His thoughts are not elsewhere - on some happening or gadget. He is "with them". They are "with Him". 

It is the same today. He desires to be with us. He desires us to be with Him.

Lord, thank you that being with us is Your earnest desire. Open our eyes and ears to You.