Passage of the Day:
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread, Luke 24:13-35.
Reflection:
The Walk to Emmaus or Emmaus Walk Movement was inspired by today’s featured passage. The modern Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual retreat developed by the United Methodist Church and The Upper Room in the 1960’s. While living in Delaware, the high school version of Emmaus called Chrysalis began. Although I was too old to attend, I joined an accountability group with men from my Walk to Emmaus Retreat. This weekly meeting was a chance to reflect upon your previous week and open up to the various struggles that you were going through. Whenever I was overwhelmed by a spirit of conviction, I poured out my soul, laying everything out in the open.
Prayerful Action:
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy, Proverbs 28:13.
Refreshing Your Soul:
There is something about talking a walk which opens the door for individuals to pour out their souls. I remember talking a walk with two friends during a mission trip and by the end of the evening, each of us revealed a secret sin that we were afraid to tell other Christians. I experienced a similar walk one night in college where a friend opened up about being raped. If it took a teenager publicly confessing their sins in front of a church to ignite the First Great Awakening, then it’s time for another movement of God to begin by pouring out your soul to a trusted friend or neighbor.
Song of the Day:
Pouring out your soul is something that requires the right timing. While in high school, a few people from my youth group would pour out their souls just to have a meeting’s agenda shift to focus on their own life. The next time you sense the Spirit of God moving you to share, don’t miss the opportunity to pour out your soul.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 