April 08, 2010

Jesus Walks With Us

Luke 24:13-18

As they … discussed these things … Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.
Luke 24:15

— 

For a couple of weeks last year, my wife and I joined Christian people in a half dozen places around Japan to learn about God’s mission and to encourage each other in gospel outreach. We found that getting around in Japan means walking fast and riding very fast trains with large crowds of people who respect each other’s space. We loved it! Guidance from our friend, Larry, who lives in Tokyo, helped. Unlike our solo car commutes here in the United States, commuting by long- distance trains in Japan gave us great opportunities for quiet conversation and thoughtful reflection.

As I reflect on the Easter story, I’m drawn to the two disciples of Jesus from Emmaus and identify with their experience of walking and talking. Maybe you have sensed the Lord’s presence or heard his voice in your heart during quiet walks or hectic commutes. Maybe, like our two friends on the road to Emmaus, you also need an infusion of hope. Maybe today looks like a dreary repeat of yesterday with the same problems looming, with key relationships in tangles, and with God seeming far away.

Jesus went to the cross and was raised in power to break through our loneliness and bring us to the Father. He sent his Spirit to speak to our spirits. The Lord may be joining us, wherever we are, right now.

Come, Lord Jesus, walk with me today. Holy Spirit, speak and open my heart to listen. Father God, thank you for your great love, made plain in Jesus' death and resurrection. Amen.

About the author — John Rozeboom

Rev. John Rozeboom is a retired pastor of the Christian Reformed Church and a former director of Christian Reformed Home Missions. Currently he is coaching and supporting elders, ministers, and a congregation in mission. John and Linda Rozeboom live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they have two married children and five grandchildren.

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