A Living Hope

Prepare: Place your hopes and plans before the Lord.
Read: Luke 24:13-35

Shattered hopes: Cleopas and his companion were downcast. They 'had hoped' that Jesus was the one 'who would redeem Israel'. Perhaps like so many other Jews, their expectations were set on an earthly king who would conquer the Romans. The concept of suffering was alien to them, so the cross left them bewildered and disillusioned. Most of us experience times when our world seems to fall apart. 'We had hope that..'. Then suddenly everything changed! Perhaps a teenage son or daughter got into trouble, or cancer was diagnosed, or a promising future was cruelly wrecked. Where will you turn for strength?

The Scriptures: It is evident that Cleopas and his companion had failed to understand the prophecies. How graciously Jesus rebuked their unbelief and blindness. He explained that suffering was a 'necessary prelude to glory' (A.E Cundall), and He opened the Scriptures to them. Their 'hearts burned within' as they listened. Turn to the Scriptures daily, and find comfort, guidance and strength in a personal encounter with the living Christ.

'Jesus Himself came up and walked with them' but they failed to recognize Him! As the sun went down, they invited Him into their home. At the table, as Jesus gave thanks and broke the bread, their eyes were opened. Their shattered dreams turned to hope and they returned 7 miles to Jerusalem, rejoicing and eager to share the news. Seek the Lord in His Word and invite Him to enter your life and walk with you.

Respond: Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.