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Morning Devotional 041623 Among Us

lizpetry

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 16, 2023


Luke 24:13-32

13 On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. 15 While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. 16 They were prevented from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast. 18 The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?” 19 He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. 20 But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. 22 But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. 28 When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. 29 But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” 33 They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” 35 Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.

Good Morning; The Lord has risen indeed!


How do you believe something that seems impossible? Some people love the art of illusion as practiced by magicians. These magicians practice becoming adept at fooling those who watch with sleight of hand and other tricks. Some who watch want to be amazed, while others want to know how the trick is done. Either way, it is a trick or an illusion.


What happened on that first Easter morning was no trick nor illusion. Jesus died, and he arose from the dead on the third day. This event was prophesied for hundreds of years, but no one could see it when it happened. The disciples were so distraught over this unexpected event that they forgot all that Jesus had taught them.


As we know from Scripture, it wasn’t one appearance by Jesus but several before the disciples began to understand. Because Jesus’ appearance was different, their eyes deceived them. For Mary, it was hearing Jesus call her by name. For Simon and Cleopas, the breaking of bread opened their eyes.


Just think of all of the images we have of Jesus. Different artists and different actors have portrayed Jesus as they were directed. If Jesus returned as flesh and walked among us, what would it take for us to understand? Do we expect him to wear the clothing of 2000 years ago? Would his hair be long, as was the custom of that time? What about his stature or skin color?


Are we ready to see and embrace Jesus in our lives? Oh God, open our eyes, ears, and hearts to see Jesus.


Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. We are blind! Open our eyes! We are deaf! Let us hear! We are broken! Heal Us! Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen


Thought for the day: Jesus is with me even when I am not aware of it.


Jesus is here! Pastor Liz


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Have a beautiful day! Pastor Liz

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