Easter Devotional
On the Way
Pastor Candida Turner
Immanuel Lutheran Church
 

[March 30, 2018]  One of my favorite stories of the resurrection is when two of the disciples happen to meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They were walking along on what we might call “Easter Evening” and trying to process all the events that had just taken place. They were so focused that they didn’t realize the man who joined them in their conversation was actually the risen Jesus. It wasn’t until they invited him into the house upon reaching their destination and shared bread together around a table that their eyes were opened and they realized it was him.

This story is my favorite for several reasons. The biggest is because it shows how Jesus comes and meets us on the way. And really this was one of the themes of his time on earth. He constantly met people where they were – whether that was calling his disciples as they were out on the fishing boat or explaining things to those who just didn’t understand. As he journeyed closer and closer to the cross, Jesus kept on meeting people where they were and loving them for who they were.

Even after his death and resurrection, Jesus came to the disciples. When they locked themselves away out of fear of what might happen, Jesus appeared in that locked room, telling them to fling the doors wide open. When the disciples were on the road, overwhelmed with the events of the previous days, just trying to make it back home, Jesus came among them, right where they were. Showing them that his promise to never leave them alone really was true.

Though it is tempting at times to join those disciples behind locked doors, as people of God we are called to be on the move. As we are out in the world, the promise remains true – Jesus does not leave us alone either. Instead, he continues to come among us, meeting us on our way. Giving us the strength and courage and insight to process the confusing and overwhelming moments we encounter. We are not what we once were, nor are we what we will be some day. But in Christ, we are exactly what we need to be in this time and place.

As we continue to journey through life, discovering what comes next, may we have our eyes focused to see the new life beginning around us. May we have our hearts open to discover the ways we encounter the risen Christ in word and in deed. And may we have our hands ready to reach out, as we serve one another, picking up where the early disciples left off. All the while resting in the good news that Jesus meets us where we are and makes this journey with us.

Easter blessings to you and your families!