A time to remember and Respond

Read Luke 24.

We are notoriously forgetful creatures.  With the busyness of work and life, our true priorities-the things that will matter long after work and life have ended-can get pushed away in our memories.  Tragic events so easily cause us to self-focus and become emotionally stuck on the temporal loss, losing sight of the eternal perspective.  It is important, therefore, to take some intentional time to remember God's word.

Despite the fact that Jesus often spoke of His suffering, death and resurrection, those closest to Him seem to have forgotten.  Indeed, there was an epidemic of disbelief.  Yet, it was written down in the pages of the Old Testament all along.  They just did not understand and remember what they had been taught.  That is, until Jesus appeared.

This chapter contains "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3 KJV) of the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
He walked.  He talked.  He ate.  He offered to be touched, having "flesh and bones" (v.39).  Even then, it was hard for His followers to believe what they were seeing.

Why was it so difficult for them?

1. The condition of the Heart. (vv.25-32)
Jesus identified the problem as He walked with the two on the road to Emmaus.  They were still in some shock.  Their emotions were stunned and disappointed by the death of Jesus.  Going home from the Passover celebration, they shuffled along with their hopes dashed (v.21).   He stated that they were "slow of heart to believe."

When Jesus began to review the Scriptures and teach them, their hearts began to "burn within" (v.32).  They understood the meaning of God's word.  They were regaining confidence in their faith.  Feeling inspired, they wanted more, even inviting Jesus to stay with them.

2. The position of the Mind. (vv.44-49)
Nothing enters a closed door.  If one closes their thinking to the truth of God's word, they shut off the only source there is to lasting hope.  Even as Jesus stood in front of them, the disciples struggled with belief.  "Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (v.45).

The content of Luke 24 begs us to ask ourselves some personal questions.
Are my emotions focused on selfish temporal stuff or the eternal hope in Christ?

Is my mind open to receive the truth of God's Holy Word?

Have I experienced "repentance and forgiveness of sins"?

Am I involved in proclaiming this good news "in his name to all nations"?