READ: Luke 24.13-16 NLT
'That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.'
It’s getting towards the end of Easter Day and the light is fading as these two people trudge back home. It has been a strange time for them. Their hero Jesus died in horrifying circumstances two days previously and they now realise it’s time to go home. They have heard some women report that Jesus had risen from death, but they don’t know what to make of it. Suddenly a stranger starts walking alongside them and they chat over what has been happening. They have no idea that it is Jesus. Even when the stranger accepts their invitation to come back to their home, they still don’t realise that it’s him.
This beautiful story will strike a chord with many of us. There have probably been many times when we have felt alone, but in fact Jesus was walking alongside us all the time. For some reason we didn’t realise that he was there. Perhaps we were distracted, tired, confused or angry. Or perhaps life just too busy, and we couldn’t spot Jesus amidst the busyness. For whatever reason we couldn’t see him, and we continued with the conviction that he had left us.
Isaiah addressed a similar situation in chapter 40 of his prophecy. The people in Exile felt that God had abandoned them. But Isaiah puts them right. God was constantly with them. In fact, unlike them, God never went to sleep. He was always on the job giving strength to his people. “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40.31)
Whatever you are going through today you can be sure of this, whether you recognise him or not. Jesus is walking beside you.




QUESTIONS: Have you ever been surprised to discover that Jesus is walking with you?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you never leave our side. Open my eyes to your presence with me today, Amen.

Released on 5 Apr 2021