“And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took the bread and blessed it and broke and gave to them. And their eyes were opened and they knew Him—and He vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way and while He opened to us the Scriptures’?”
Luke 24:30-32
What a difference it makes when He’s our Companion and Counselor.
“But their eyes were holden (Grk. ‘krateo’—‘to sieze, retain, hold fast, have dominion over, etc.’) that they should not know Him” (v.16).
What was it that prevented those two disciples on the road to Emmaus from recognizing Jesus that afternoon as they headed for home? Was it the blinding rays of the afternoon sun as it edged closer to the horizon and they drew closer to their town which likely lay west of Jerusalem? Or, was it something else?
Could it be they weren’t expecting to see Him?
Hardness of heart through unbelief contributes to spiritually blind eyes and deaf ears.
And, from the tone and content of their conversation (vv.14, 19-24) it’s clear Jesus was the last person they expected to come alongside them that afternoon.
Are we ever that way, dear Pilgrim?
Assuredly we are.
Think of it: As you read these words even now, has it dawned on you that Jesus, the Risen Lord, is reading them with you? As you prepare for the day. . .taking your shower. . .getting dressed. . .preparing your lunch, etc., are you conscious of His Presence right there with you, eavesdropping on your thoughts and whispering “I love you” every step of the way?
Yes, “blinded eyes” are not limited to Emmaus Road disciples.
They’re a part of everyone.
But, as we see in today’s Manna we need not continue being bound by them—not when Jesus opens the Word to us and reminds us of all the wondrous truths concerning Himself in both the Old and New Testaments (v.27). Hallelujah!!
Blinded eyes will always give way to “burning hearts” when Christ, the Risen Lord, is our constant Companion and Counselor (i.e., Instructor in the Way of Righteousness). His reminder to them to “tarry in Jerusalem until the Promise of the Father arrived, enduing them with great power” (v.49; Acts 1:4-8) was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and is now a present Reality, not a still-yet-to-be-accomplished Anticipation.
Why not pause right now, close your eyes and meditate on these things for a few minutes? Take your eyes off yourself and what’s going on around you. “Capture your thoughts” (II Cor. 10:5) and focus on the Lord Jesus’ Presence right there with you right now? Feel His loving arm slowly drawing you close to Himself and picture yourself laying your weary head upon His chest as He holds you securely in His arms? How does that make you feel? Loved? Secure? Reassured? Do not be surprised if hot tears begin running down your cheeks as you realize your Kinsman Redeemer is near. Oh give us those “burning hearts,” dear Lord!!
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated June 7, 2010
