Without Your Asking

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:15

On the day of His resurrection Jesus met two of His disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, not yet revealing His true identity to them.

The two men were distressed as they discussed the news of the one they thought would save Israel, but had died at the hands of the chief priest, rulers, and crucifixion by Rome (Vv 19-20).  They even said they’d heard that very morning how some women found Jesus’ tomb empty, and spoke of a “vision” of angels there saying He was alive, with some of their companions confirming the empty tomb. 

Then Jesus began explaining to them from the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, what they said concerning Himself, until their hearts burned within them.  The amazing thing to me in all this is Jesus appeared to them in their crisis of faith without them asking.

The Prophet Isaiah, wrote, “I [the LORD] revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.  To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ’Here am I, here am I.’” And goes on to say, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Is. 65;1, 24 [Emphasis added].”

For you who are feeling you’ve shed your last tear, or exhausted your last breath of prayer, I want to hearten you to remember the Lord isn’t asleep, neither is He dozing (Psalm 121:3-4).  He sees all all the time.  Even as He appeared to His disbelieving disciples, when they considered Him dead, He’s with you right now in your own Road to Emmaeus experience.

I can only speak from what He’s done for me.  At times when my foot might have slipped into the mud, He kept me out of the sucking quicksand.  If the experience gained was a lesson learned that ended in His perfect will for me, then I accept the truth of His work in my life (Romans 8:28). I’ve learned the person with the most wisdom bears the most scars.  But scars or not, He’s willing to help us and the faithful One, who calls into being things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17).

Beloved reader, listen to me.  While things may seem to be falling apart around you, look up and in your mind’s eye behold that God is still on His throne-and He’s awake and alert.  You may have mud on your boots, but He will never allow you to slip into annihilation.

He is Real.  He is Sure.  His promises hold true and He is with you, even now.  He neither slumbers nor Sleeps, and His throne will never fall into decay.  He’s always Mighty to Save, always to your good, and for His Glory.  He’s always willing to come to your side, even, at times, without your asking.

Ken