Grace Right in Front of Us

A devotional written by Sheila Alewine
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from
Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:13-16 (NIV)

Isn’t it interesting that the person they longed to see was right in front of them, yet they could not recognize Him?

The fulfillment of all their hopes walked beside them, yet they missed Him, because of their disbelief.

They weren’t expecting to see Him, so they didn’t.
Jesus told them they were foolish men, slow of heart to believe.

They had heard the truth, but it had not penetrated their heart, because they did not believe Jesus was the promised Messiah and that He would rise again.

Their hearts hoped for it, but their faith was weak.
Cleophas and his companion were blessed by God, chosen to see the resurrected Savior and to walk and talk with Him, even sitting down together for an intimate meal.

Doesn’t it encourage you that Jesus chose to appear to men who were struggling to believe?

There’s hope for us!
That’s how God’s grace works.
When we least expect it.
When we don’t deserve it.
When things look hopeless.
When our faith is weak.
When we’re trying to figure things out on our own.

Jesus reveals Himself to two ordinary men on a dirt road near Jerusalem, and in the revealing, He
shows us how we, too, can see our risen Lord. He gave us the secret. Spend time in the Word and
spend time in communion with Him.

This is grace.

When we are slow to believe, God’s Word burns in our hearts. And as the Spirit breaks the bread of life, we experience His presence, and our eyes are opened.

Let us pray.

Father, how often are You right in front of us, and we fail to recognize You? Day after day, You
show grace to our world, both to those who belong to You and those who don’t believe. You are
right there, waiting for us to open our eyes in faith and belief. Thank You that Your word is powerful and burns in our hearts. It speaks to us; it kindles the spirit to life and ignites the soul as You meet the desire of our hearts with Yourself. You draw us into communion, allowing us into
Your presence through the grace and mercy provided by Your Son, Jesus. How we love You for this.
Open our eyes so we can see, and when we do see, help us to be like Cleophas and his friend who tells others about you! Amen.