JESUS BLESSES, CLEOPAS SEES

Written by Randall Bordeau, Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO with YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana

In the days following Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, there were still disciples who did not believe it. They were still downcast and brokenhearted.

I remember walking along the roads outside the old city of Jerusalem. I can imagine the two men deep in conversation, shuffling along the stream of traffic, describing the incidents that led up to Jesus’ tragic crucifixion.

The Gospels tell in the story that Jesus began to walk alongside Cleopas and his friend, inquiring what they were talking about – but they did not realize it was him!

How many times are we unaware that Jesus is with us because we are busy fretting about the news of the day?

Is my to-do list more important than what God is doing in the world around me?

We exhaust ourselves trying to figure everything out on our own and can easily miss the blessed presence of Jesus right there with us.

Most times, though, it takes listening, inviting, and watching for him in unexpected places and through unexpected people, including strangers.

We have many opportunities to bless like Jesus throughout the day in the YMCA with staff and members, with our neighbors, at work with colleagues, out in the community, but will we make a concerted effort to pause and open our eyes to his presence?

Will we build in time to ask people how they are doing and hear their hearts?

Is there a word God would want you to share to encourage them and bless their heart?

The two disciples were focused on the loss and heartache, so Jesus met them there.

So many people are feeling isolated and alone. They just want to be heard and feel included, so let’s not miss seeing Christ in unexpected places – let’s be ready to represent Christ through our relationships – that we might bring unexpected peace and hope.

We have the privilege of sharing an invitation into God’s family by just meeting people where they are.

Pray with me:

Lord, help me to rest in your presence. Please open my eyes to those around me who are hurting and lost. Give me the desire to seek you with all my heart as I wait expectantly for your peaceful presence in my life. Thank you for walking with me in this life and coming to earth to truly understand what it is to be truly human.