“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus… They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still; their faces downcast” (Luke 24:13-17)

Sorrow can overwhelm. These men were gripped with deep sorrow about the crucifixion of Jesus. For them, it was the end. So, even when Jesus stood by them and talked with them, they couldn’t recognize Him. When Jesus asked what they discussed, in their sorrow, one said to Jesus: “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?” They were gripped. Paul exhorted us saying: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4). Hope lifts above any sorrow, the hope founded upon God’s promises.

David received this insight singing: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again— my Saviour and my God” (Psalm 42:5-6). That’s powerful. He hoped in God. Again, David sang: “Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember You, even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar” (Psalm 42:6). Romans 5 truly affirms that “hope does not disappoint us” because God pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share