Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Exodus 3-6
     New Testament Reading: Luke 24

They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24: 32).

As the Sabbath began on Friday night, the followers of Jesus were discouraged and disillusioned. Their hearts were not in their worship as they went through the motions. Their hopes and dreams had been nailed to the cross with Jesus. He was to be their Messiah, their deliverer from the Roman bondage, but now He was dead. As Friday turned into Saturday, discouragement only intensified. His words were so powerful. His teaching was so captivating, so compelling. But now he was gone and what were they to do?

As the sun rose and broke through the clouds early that Sunday morning, some women went to the tomb. They said the tomb was empty, and they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. But it all seemed like nonsense. Peter and John also went to the tomb and said He wasn’t there. Talk of Him saying He would rise from the dead started to spread, but if that were true, where is He? He is not alive. He is just missing! The discouragement turned to confusion and bewilderment. By Sunday afternoon, two of the followers had enough and started their journey home to Emmaus.

One of those followers was named Cleopas. When Luke was doing his research into the life of Jesus, most likely Cleopas told him this story, and Luke names him to give him the credit. Luke doesn’t name the other follower, but gives clues to her identity. When they reached Emmaus, they urged Jesus to “stay with us”, and then Jesus “went in to stay with them”. Most likely, the companion on the road was Cleopas’ wife.

As they traveled to Emmaus, Jesus walk with them and He explained the scriptures to them concerning Himself. How wonderful that teaching of Jesus on the road to Emmaus must have been. No wonder they said, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”

But we don’t have to be envious of these two disciples. This is the goal of the Christian life—to Walk with Jesus! All throughout Scripture, the relationship between man and God is described as walking together.

Enoch walked with God (Gen 5:24).
Noah walked with God (Gen 6:9).
Abraham & Isaac walked with God (Gen 48:15).
Moses walked with God (Exodus 33:11-17).
The nation of Israel was to walk with God (Lev. 26:12 & Micah 6:8).

Paul told the Christians at Colossae, “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). Paul even referred to the Christian life as running! (1 Cor. 9:24, Gal 5:7, & 2 Tim 4:7).

Then, as we walk with Christ, through the Holy Spirit, He will explain the scriptures to us and give us understanding. (John 16:7-15, 1 Cor. 2:12-14, Col. 1:9, James 1:5, 1 John 2:27) Whenever we read God’s Word our prayer should be as the Psalmist “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction” (Psalms 119:18).

The more we receive the Word of God, the more we will want to fellowship with the God of the Word. Understanding Bible knowledge can lead to a big head but receiving Bible truth and walking with the Savior will lead to a burning heart!