Luke 24:31-33a NLT
Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem.
The disciples who encountered Jesus after his resurrection record a number of different experiences. Despite the differences, they were all clear meetings, usually unexpected. Certainly, arriving at their home in Emmaus, these two disciples encountered the unexpected. Life takes on the character of an adventure when you are a follower of Jesus.
When the odds appear stacked against us, we can choose to sink beneath them or call out in prayer and look for the unexpected. This is a measure of our resilience, our ability to return to the shape we were created to be; that is dependent upon God alone. This takes courage and a willingness to surrender control over my own destiny.
These two disciples had left Jerusalem convinced that Jesus was dead, and with him, hope was extinguished. An encounter, the unexpected and unplanned meeting with Jesus, reawakened and strengthened their hope. That encounter took place in the familiarity of the breaking of bread. Week after week I step into line and move forward to receive communion on Sundays. It is a moment of remembrance, and often encounter with my risen Lord. When hope flickers in the dark, and like a fading candle is in danger of extinction, I recognise my need and responsibility to go in search of a fresh encounter with God. By its very nature this will be unexpected, I cannot plan or guarantee it. Yet, returning to familiar spaces where I’ve previously encountered God – scripture, Eucharist, fellowship – I stand a good chance of renewing my faith.
QUESTION: To what degree do you instinctively react to the external pressures of life?
PRAYER: May I step into this day and week in search of the unexpected, open to an encounter with God.

Released on 17 Apr 2020