19th. April. 2022. Daily Devotion.
Luke 24:25-27
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.
The day is still Sunday, the day of the resurrection. Two of “them” refers to an earlier verse, where Peter recounts the empty tomb to the “eleven and to all the rest.” The time frame is not completely clear, as Jesus also appears to Mary Magdelene in Jerusalem, at the tomb itself. And she, like our two travellers, does not recognize him.
Jesus chides them gently for not understanding why the tomb was empty. But notice, one of them says, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” In other words, they had still thought that Jesus would become a political figure, a leader like David, who would drive out the Romans and restore Judaism to Israel, but His death had meant failure.
People are awfully hard-headed. If they have a wrong idea, but are faced with the truth, they will cling to their wrong idea like it is a lifebuoy in a stormy sea, when a rescue vessel comes alongside. Jesus had time and again taught that he was destined to die and be raised again; although, in truth, sometimes his teachings were hidden in metaphor. E.g., “Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again (John 2:19).”
God, who is smarter than we are, has let the plan for our salvation develop over time. The two men are given full knowledge when they are ready to receive it: when the resurrected Christ is standing before them. Christ has become the first evangelist. The men are headed away from Jerusalem and the Word will spread with them, beginning almost as soon as the resurrection occurred.
Lord Jesus, give me grace that I may examine my thoughts and keep my mind open to the correction of your Word and the insight of your Holy Spirit; for you Name’s sake. Amen
Almighty God, through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ, you have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Holy God, we hold before you all who live close to war and conflict; and all who live close to the threat of war and violence. We remember, people in Ukraine and Russia. We pray for nonviolence and peaceful resolutions of conflict. Give us hearts of hospitality and sanctuary, forgive us all our hostility and hatred.
Bring all people to the humanity you give us, and to the reconciliation and healing for which you gave your life. Strengthen us all to work with you to build justice and peace, reconciliation, and healing, in our hearts and homes, in our streets, in all communities, neighbourhoods and nations. Bless all who live lives for the peace and wellbeing of others and make their service fruitful. In the name of Christ I pray, Amen
(The Fellowship of Reconciliation, The United Reformed Church)
God of peace, you teach us that in returning to you we shall be saved:
By the power of your Spirit lift us to your presence, where quietness and confidence shall be our strength; and where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
