Emmaus?

You may be wondering about the title of this blog.  Do you remember what happened to a couple of travelers on the road to Emmaus?  Following Jesus' resurrection, we find two of Jesus' followers travelling together toward Emmaus. (see Luke 24:13-53).  While they were talking about everything that had taken place, Jesus joined them on the road, on their journey.  Undoubtedly, they were grieved at the realization that their Lord was dead.  Their eyes were not able to recognize the stranger who joined them as they traveled.  He seemed to know nothing of what had transpired in Jerusalem.  As they recounted the events, He rebuked them for being "...slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." (vs. 25)  Then, "...beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself."  (vs. 27).  Can you imagine the Bible lesson they heard that day?  They could not hear enough, they begged Him to stay with them.  Then, as He broke bread with them, "...their eyes were opened, and they knew Him..." (vs. 31).  Did you consider the fact that these travelers were followers of Christ?  They knew Him, and those in the inner circle.  Yet, they now knew Him in a fullness they had never experienced before.  Though He vanished from sight, the impact of this encounter with Christ, and the new depth of understanding for the holy scriptures, was so significant that they were compelled to return to Jerusalem and share all these things. 

As they were sharing with those gathered in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared and dealt with the fears, doubts, and confusion of the group.  The testimony of these two, powerful as it was, was not enough for the rest of them. Jesus Himself spoke to them, broke bread with them, then opened their understanding to the scriptures.  These encounters were not enough, this was just the beginning.  Jesus then commissioned them to go, beginning in Jerusalem, to preach among all nations the repentance and remission of sins.  He gave instructions, and the promise of "...power from on high." (vs. 49).  We know His command is that we go and proclaim His name among all nations, making disciples, teaching them to obey all that He commands.  It is our prayer that we would be faithful in walking this journey with others no matter where we are. 

We will soon move to Argentina, to follow God's call for our family.  It is our desire to see the Argentine church walking with Jesus, sharing with others, and embracing the vision for making disciples and planting churches that would glorify God.  For those pastors and churches already focused on this task, we pray that we will walk alongside them and encourage one another.