Blogging Through The Gospels: Luke 24

Happy Sabbath, everyone! I'm so glad that it's the weekend. :) God has really done some marvelous things for me this week--but still, I'm glad it's Sabbath! :)

Today, we get to read and blog on Luke 24--the final chapter in Luke, on Jesus' resurrection and various appearances that day! I loved the whole chapter, but I especially enjoyed the story of how Jesus walked with Cleopas and his friend on the way to Emmaus. (Read the full story here.) So naturally, that's what I decided to SOAP on today...here goes, everyone!

Scripture:

"As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay here with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them." ~Luke 24:28-29

Observation:

So. Cleopas and his friend are dejectedly walking home to Emmaus from Jerusalem. This "traveler", somehow unknowing what happened in the last few days, explains to these two disciples all the prophecies about Jesus, and how he fit and fulfilled all of them. Of course, we know that this "traveler" was Jesus. But they didn't know, or at least not at the time.

As Cleopas and his friend neared the turnoff for Emmaus, this "traveler" acted as if he were going farther. But Cleopas and his friend pleaded for this "traveler" to stay the night with them, as the day was already well-spent. This "traveler" came home with them, and soon Cleopas and his friend found out that they had just been talking with the risen Christ. My point is, that Cleopas and his friend wouldn't have known it was Jesus if they hadn't invited Jesus to their homes.

Application:

Jesus doesn't force his way into anybody's heart. He is very polite, waiting for an invitation. Cleopas and his friend would have never known that they were talking with Jesus if they hadn't invited him in. Do we miss countless blessings that Jesus is more than ready to bestow...when we don't invite him into our hearts?

Prayer:

Dear God, I invite you into my heart, and into my life. I totally give up control--come into me, and change me for the better! Help me not to miss out on the countless blessings you are ready to bestow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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P.S.--To learn more about this blogging-through-the-gospels program, or if YOU would like to join yourself (you're more than welcome-jump right in!!) go to: http://www.momstoolbox.com/