The other day while working in the kitchen, my CD player provided a dramatic reading from Luke 24. The words from the recording that grabbed my attention were about the two disciples' Resurrection Day meeting with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and the later conversation at their evening meal:

Luke 24:15-16,27,30-32,35 – So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know him. … And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. … Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" … And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. (NKJV)

I can identify with those two disciples, Cleopas and his companion, on the road to Emmaus and at dinner. For many years, I read and studied Scripture with eyes restrained about knowing Jesus.

That changed earlier this winter as I read the gospels, Ephesians, and Hebrews with a new point of view. I focused on the writers as eye-witnesses, read the books slowly aloud, and listened as if the writer were actually talking to me about Jesus. I gave myself plenty of time for the words to sink in. My Bible was transformed from an academic textbook to be studied into a precious personal message talking to me about God's love. I am beginning to know more of Jesus as I "listen" to real people talk about Him.

This statement of the apostle Paul has come to life for me:

Romans 10:17 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)

As we prepare for Easter through this Lenten season, let us give ourselves time to hear and to know Jesus. His desire for us to hear His Word is waiting be fulfilled in our lives:

John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (NKJV)

Prayer: Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we ask for "meetings" with Your Son. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Pat Bell <llebpat@gmail.com>
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author