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)
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 Cleopas and his buddy (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. Thank you for your tenacious tenderness, limitless patience, and steadfast love.
Jesus, continue to do for all of us what you did for our Emmaus Road brothers. Help us see you everywhere in the Scriptures—the main character and true hero of every book in the Bible. May Moses’s words—especially the Law, constantly drive us to you. For you have fulfilled the demands of the law for us and are now fulfilling the beauty of the law in us. Our salvation is all of grace, from beginning to end. The older we get, the more we want to grow in gospel-astonishment, grace-wonder, and Spirit-joy.
Keep convincing us 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 kingdom (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 king and crisis, and cancer and concern. Faith, not fear, is the order of this and every day. Hallelujah!
Indeed, Jesus, give us an incurable case of “redemptive heartburn,” like that which you ignited in the hearts of our Emmaus Road brothers. Keep showing us more of your glory and grace, that we might give you the adoration and affection of which you alone are worthy. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and transforming name.
