An Emmaus Road Experience

Exodus 9; Exodus 10; Exodus 11; Luke 24
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Scripture

On the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24

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.
17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Observation

Have you ever had an Emmaus Road experience?

In my Christian life I have experienced a few of those special times where God’s Word burned within me in an unusual way. I traveled to Washington D.C. several years ago with a bunch of other guys, in fact about one million guys tagged along with me on that trip. It was a Promise Keepers Rally. I can remember that all of us were on the ground praying lying face down to the ground and there was dead silence. It was an incredible experience. And in other PK Rallies when men by the thousands are singing praises to their God it stirred up an Emmaus Road experience.

I have participated in Campus Crusade for Christ Conferences, Navigator Conferences, and in some very special worship services that produced this kind of emotional experience. It was like Moses at the burning bush you knew that you were on holy ground. The other night at the Winter Jam concert it was that kind of experience when “Mercy Me” closed out the concert by having all 8,000+ sing a song of praise without any music, without the band, just the 8,000 voices. It was awesome.

I have worshipped with nationals in their countries: Mexico, Paraguay, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Antigua, and Cuba and sensed that burning in my heart.

Some mornings when I am alone during my daily Bible reading my heart burns within me like that. And I sense His presence! It is like Jesus is right here with me. And you know what? He is!

Application

I will encourage men to meet with God everyday by getting into His Word.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I sense your presence. Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. May our hearts burn within us today as we meditate on your word. Lord, I pray that you do a mighty work in the hearts of men today. I pray for men that are strong, men that will lead at home and in the work place, men that will not be ashamed to live for Christ. Amen.

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