In the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus found them confused and disheartened. The disciples had placed their hope in Jesus, but He ended up crucified on the cross. They didn’t realize the stranger talking to them was Jesus, who proceeded to explain to them the fulfilment of the scriptures from Moses until that time. When the disciples finally recognised Him, they said excitedly:
Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us – Luke 24:32
God walks with us – even when we don’t recognise Him
The disciples were talking to Jesus on the way to Emmaus, yet they did not recognise Him. Often, when we’re too caught up with our emotions, disappointments and unmet expectations, we miss God’s presence right beside us. We often miss the graces and opportunities presented to us in our daily life when we fail to recognise God in our midst. The truth is: He is always present with us, whether we feel or recognise Him.
Understanding Scripture reignites a weary heart
When Jesus started explaining the scriptures, the two disciples were amazed and felt their hearts burning. Jesus’ insight cut through their confusion. Their clarity ignited something powerful inside them. It was a conviction. It was a reawakening and an alignment of the heart. Similarly, God’s Word should ignite our heart, so that it is burning again!
A burning heart leads to a changed direction
When Jesus blessed and broke the bread, the two disciples’ eyes were opened immediately and they recognised Jesus. Upon seeing Jesus, they immediately turned around and return to Jerusalem. When our hearts are ignited with God’s truth, we need to redirect our lives towards God. We can’t stay the same, we can’t continue drifting anymore. Our burning hearts must leads us to where God wants to take us.
My Invitation
This is my invitation to you today: discern God’s presence in your life, let His Word reignite your heart and let it fire burning in your heart lead you to do God’s will. The fire in your heart is not meant to warm you, it is there to ignite you into action.