And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 (ESV)
Dear Lord Jesus, of all your post-resurrection appearances (1 Cor. 15:3-7), my favorite is your visit to forlorn friends on the road to Emmaus, for I have much in common with them (Luke 24:13-35). I too am foolish and slow of heart, in constant need of the Spirit’s ministry to free me from my unbelief. I remain deeply grateful for your tenacious tenderness, limitless patience, and steadfast love.
Jesus, continue to do for me what you did for my Emmaus Road brothers. Help me to see you everywhere in the Scriptures—the point and hero of the whole Bible. May Moses’s words—especially the Law, constantly drive me to you. For you have fulfilled the demands of the law for us, and are now fulfilling the beauty of the law in us. Keep me clear and free from all forms of me-centered spirituality. The older I get, the more I want to grow in gospel-astonishment.
And, Jesus, keep convincing me that you are the resounding “Yes!” to every promise God has made through the prophets—not just with respect to your cross, but also to your crown (2 Cor. 1:20). Things in our world are not as they appear. Having risen from the dead, you are now making all things new. You are sovereign over everything. Faith, not fear, is the order of this and every day.
Jesus, give me an incurable case of “redemptive heartburn,” like that which you ignited in the hearts of my Emmaus brothers. Keep showing me more of your glory and grace, that I might give you the adoration and allegiance of which you alone are worthy. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and transforming name.
