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Encountering the Living God

In Bible days, walking was one of the most basic modes of transportation. It’s also time to just talk and fellowship with those traveling with you. In Luke 24, we have two men on the Road to Emmaus and to pass the time on their journey, they were discussing all that had happened in Jerusalem. As they began their journey, they had no idea that along the way they would be encountering the Living God.

Walking away from the grave is the first step to encountering the living God

Perhaps one of the hardest walks to take, is one that leads away from a grave – and that what these two men were doing. Jesus had been crucified, died, and buried. And now, they turned and walked away from the grave that held the body of Jesus. They were on their way to Emmaus. They probably were confused, sad, questioning, and grieving over the lost of Jesus – but this walk would be a life-changing walk.

The same is true for us. When we accept Christ as our savior, we step out of the grave of sin and death and encounter the living God who forgives our sins and gives us eternal live. The first step toward encountering the living God is stepping away from the grave.

The Living God joins two disciples on the Road to Emmaus

We don’t know much about these two men, other than one of them is named Cleopas. As Cleopas and his friend were walking, a third man walked up and joined them in their journey. It was Jesus, but the Bible tells us in verse 16 that Jesus kept them from recognizing who He was. As Jesus joins them, He asks what they are talking about. They probably were shocked that this newcomer hadn’t heard already. But as they tell what they knew, we can see that they really didn’t get why Jesus had to die. They, like many others, viewed the Messiah as someone that would overthrow the government and restore the nation of Israel to its former glory under King David. 

Another thing we can assume is that Cleopas and his friend left Jerusalem before the news spread that Jesus was no longer dead and his disciples were saying He had be raised to life again. We can assume they didn’t know this news because if they had they would not have been walking AWAY from the tomb – but running TOWARDS it to see for themselves. 

They encountered the living God, but didn’t get it

Knowing they didn’t get it, Jesus gives a slight rebuke saying, “You are such foolish, foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.” But its important to note that Jesus doesn’t shake his head, fed up with their lack of understanding and walk away. Instead begins to explain all the Old Testament prophecies that led up to his birth, life, dead, and resurrection. 

Jesus wants us to know when we’ve encountered the living God

The more Jesus taught the more curious they become – they wanted to know more. So they invited Jesus to stay for dinner and Jesus continued to teach them. Then in verses 30-32 Jesus turns the tables and He becomes the host. He reaches for the bread, blessed it and broke it and began serving them. It was in that moment as they watched what they had seen him do before, that they realized who he was. Jesus! He had been dead – but now He’s alive and they had been with him all day. Now they understood why they felt this burning within them while Jesus was with them and teaching them.

What is it like for you when your pastor preaches each Sunday? What is it like when you read the Bible? Or what is it like when you are sitting in your small group studying God’s Word? Are you bored and spend more time looking at your watch to see how much time is left then actually listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say to you? Do you read the Bible more as a check mark in the to-do box? Or does your heart burn within you to know Jesus more? 

The thing about encountering the Living God, is He will always leave you wanting to know more, yearning for a little more time with Him. If that’s not what your Bible study and worship time is like, try getting alone with the Holy Spirit and ask Him what’s blocking the road in your spiritual journey.


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This week’s featured Christian Tees designs:

Revive Us Again, God bless the USA and Honor the Sacrifice

Our freedoms come from the sacrifice of many. Memorial day is the day we remember and honor those who sacrificed. It’s also a good time to come together as a nation and pray for God to Bless the USA.

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