This Changes EverythingSample

THIS IS LIFE

The account of the meeting of Jesus on the road to Emmaus is unique to Luke’s gospel. Today’s devotion gives us a unique opportunity to explore why it is included.

This entire story pivots on one moment, one phrase. “But we had hoped.” If ever the bible is relatable, it is in that statement. We’ve all lost hope before. I’m struck by Jesus’ gentleness and patience in that moment. Jesus lets them grumble awhile. He listens to their sorrow. It’s interesting that Jesus is gentle with people, but tougher on their ideology.

In the next statement, he calls them foolish for missing the entire point of the exercise –and proceeds to explain their entire theology back to them, beginning with Moses and then the prophets. Imagine being a fly on the wall for that conversation!

My point is this, Jesus understands your disappointment. He has compassion for us when we’re in the middle of our struggles. He has just finished being betrayed and ignored by his own people, and unfairly punished by the Roman state for goodness’s sake. He knows what it’s like to be disappointed.

However, he is not intimidated by it. He is not threatened by it. Notice he does not respond by saying, ‘did the cross even do anything?’ ‘Did the resurrection even matter?’ ‘These people seem to have missed it by a country mile.’ No, Jesus is patient, gentle and compassionate, but when he does speak, he firmly confronts the doubt with hope. He helps them remember what it was all about.

The great mystery of salvation, the purpose of the Law, and the promise of the Prophets is revealed through Christ in us, the hope of glory. It is this reality that ought to frame our Easter Sunday. That God did not remain dead, instead he defeated death and through the resurrection by the Spirit has made a way for us to participate in his divine life.

As Saint Athanasius says, "for the Son of God became man so that we might become God. This is not to say humans are God, or become God, rather it is reminiscent of Peter’s words ‘he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature'.’'

"By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." - 2 Peter 1:4

Prayer Point: Lord, I exalt you, for the saving work you have accomplished. Fill me once more with gratitude and wonder. I desire to be a participant of the divine nature, both in the here and now –as someone who is in Christ, and in the future, as someone who looks forward to enjoying the fullness of your presence in the age to come. Amen.