Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 24:13-35. V. 16 - It appears their eyes were restrained because they didn't know the scriptures and they had not combined right knowledge with faith. We too will not see the Lord and what the Father is up to if we don't know the scriptures. 

v. 17 Why does Jesus set them up with a question? Why not just tell them the truth from the beginning? Doesn't he know they don't know! The Lord lets us explore - he lets our hearts search for truth. He also lets us discover for ourselves what is in our hearts. Once we have said something - our words expose our belief or lack of belief. (Mk 7:20-23) When we see clearly our lack of faith we then have the chance to repent and believe. Jesus is helping these guys get honest with themselves about their lack of faith. He will then blow them away with his presence so they can become serious missionaries. The Lord loves to take faithless men and change their hearts. Many times these are the greatest witness to others - these are the ones who can say - "we didn't believe it either - but now we can't deny the truth."

v. 19ff - This scares me - how some can be so close to the truth and yet missing the whole point. They had all the information - just not all the truth! Lord open our eyes - we don't want to miss you in our midst!

v. 28-35 Their hearts burned because the presence of the Lord had been with them. When their eyes were opened they could not help but testify. They overcame doubt - overcame fear of being ridiculed by the disciples. When we have let the presence of the Lord burn in our heart we too will find boldness. Not necessarily the removal of all fear but the motivation to overcome our fear to share Christ.

questions

1) Do your words convey faith that God will provide or doubt/ fear when you talk about your future? Our words reveal our hearts! Ask the Lord to help you see your heart as he did these 2 guys. The clearer picture we have of our hearts the better we can repent and get right with God.

2) Do you have fear in sharing what God has done for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to set your heart on fire with his presence. Let that fire drive you to overcome fear - to press on through fear of what people think.

prayer

Lord we ask you would remove the scales from our eyes. You're working around us today - we need to see you. Come burn our hearts with your presence Holy Spirit - give us the courage to take the story of the resurrection - wherever we go!