PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jan
24
24
In His Midst
John Tilton
Scripture
Luke 24:13-21 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
Observation
We read how the two apostles were kept from recognizing Jesus as He walked with them. It seems that Jesus was interested to see what they thought of Him and what had transpired; now let’s remember that Jesus probably knew their thoughts and what they were discussing. What’s interesting is although the apostles spent so much time with Jesus, they still missed the boat in knowing who He was and is. Note that they called him a prophet and not the Savior. Did they forget all that He shared with them, taught them and their experiences with Him? Note that they had hoped that He was the Savior who would redeem Israel, but by their words did not believe this. Instead, they were caught up in the excitement of all that was taking place at the time, but not understanding or believing the truth of Jesus that they were so close to for so much time and then again in His midst.
Application
I hope that I will always recognize those moments when Jesus show’s up in my life and that I am not blind or unable to realize those moments and times when Jesus is in my midst. Like the apostles, I have spent much time with Jesus as I do my devotions and read His word. Thus, I should be enabled to know who He is and His presence when He is in my midst, unless I let matters of life, the world, situations or my self get in the way of my realizing Jesus presence and intercession in my life. Unlike the apostles, may I not get caught up in the excitement of situations and headlines, but rather seeking, being aware and affirming His presence in my life and situations that confront me. May I do the things that will invite Jesus into my midst.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for being my Savior and coming into my life. May I always be reminded to intentionally make you a part of my daily life so that I will be aware of your presence and power. May I not allow the worries and situations of life crowd you out or away from where I desire you to be in my midst. May my devotions, prayers and relationship with you be an ongoing realization of who you are and that I am close to you.
