This Sunday we will focus some more time on the Emmaus Road account in Luke 24. I have entitled the message, “Recognizing Jesus” Part II As I reread the passage this week it seemed to me there was much more in the passage that deserves our attention. I have always been particularly intrigued by Luke 24:32 where it says, “were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke uses the word, “recognize” , three times in the passage. It is important when we realize that it is hard for us to “recognize” Jesus. We are earthbound people that live in a material world. We live by our “senses”. This isn’t all bad. God created those senses that can experience taste, touch, sound, smell and sight. These God-given senses are how we experience our world. How does that apply to our Christian life? Because we live a life of faith in unseen realities we depend on God to “reveal” Himself through His Word, His Spirit, His Son and the creation that God made. “the heavens declare the glory of God” Psalm 19:1 Theologians talk about general revelation and special revelation. God “reveals” Himself so we can know Him and be saved from our sins. General revelation is usually considered to be the natural created world. Special revelation is shown in Jesus, the Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit. What does “burning hearts” mean? What is Luke trying to tell us? I believe Luke is metaphorically speaking of the work of the Holy Spirit inside the human heart. Cleopas and his friend were talking to Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Jesus was pointing out prophetic passages that were speaking of His redemptive work. The events of Acts 2 had not yet taken place but I believe the Holy Spirit was still working in this instance. Join us Sunday and we will dive more into the Emmaus Road account regarding the risen Lord.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew
