St. Luke 24:13-17 and Verse 25
"And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But, their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as he walk, and are sad?"
"Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:"
"Jesus had been crucified and buried here for 3 days. Later, 2 lonely disciples were trudging on home to Emmaus. They should have been praising God but, we are told that they were sad. They had a heartache instead of a Hallelujah. They had a "spirit of heaviness instead of a garment of praise". (Isaiah 61:3) They were pouting instead of shouting. They were sad instead of being glad.
But, notice in Verse 15...It says that as they walked along in this depressed, discouraged and defeated condition...Jesus, Himself drew near. He was/is there all the time!
How foolish it is when we get cast down in our minds and in our spirits and become slow of heart to believe like these 2 disciples. Friends, it is during these times Jesus feels for us and draws near to us. Praise God, He doesn't forsake us in the valley or in the hard places of our lives. Amen?
Jesus comes and wants to comfort us. In St. John 14th Chapter, when He went away to be at the Father's right hand Jesus said, "I will send another comforter." (Verse 16) That very promise proves that He, Himself was and is a Comforter. Never let the devil convince you when you're sad and down in spirit that God has forsaken you! Instead, know that it is at this very time that He (Jesus) WILL draw near to you. He hears your groans - He sees your tears - He feels your hurts. He IS the God of all comfort and consolation. He loves you!
Notice here how Jesus let the disciples do the talking. He waited for them to speak. In our times of sadness and discouragement, Jesus wants for us to seek Him. He wants us to pray and to call upon Him. What a wonderful privilege we have - to carry everything to Him in prayer. As the song says, "Let us have a little talk with Jesus." We can talk to others and perhaps find some relief and consolation, but, when we seek the throne of Grace and talk to Him, relief is certain, relief is for real. Jesus cares!
Now, let's examine the scripture text where Jesus speaks to the disciples. Prayer is not a one sided conversation. When we pray we need to allow Him to talk with us. Jesus said to the disciples - and to us - "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken."
SLOW TO HEART TO BELIEVE
In times of sadness and discouragement, many of God's children are like these disciples. Oh, if we would just stop and "think", instead of giving in to how we "feel". If these disciples had only "thought" about what all the prophets had said. If we as believers, at difficult times would recall the Word of God, meditate, believe and stand upon it. But, they forgot the scripture. Their vision and their faith was dimmed by their tears and their fears. The prophets had told them how it would be. They were told that Christ would not let them down. Even today, we are quick to believe our God can, but, we are "slow of heart" to believe that He will. It is one thing to believe God's word, but it is another to ACT upon that belief. We must not only profess it - we must possess it! We must not only lip it - but live it. We must not only believe it - but, we must behave it. We must preach it like it is and we must live it like it says!
These disciples were slow of heart to believe because there was so much that all the prophets had said that should have convinced them just as we today are slow of heart to believe because there is so much in the Word of God that ought to convince us.
We not only have precept upon precept but promise upon promise. All of these are confirmed by the unfailing covenant of our great and all powerful God.
God is a covenant keeping God.
God is a God of His word.
He watches over it to perform it.
It is impossible for Him to lie. What He says - that will He do.
How often we say I believe every word of this inspired volume. We say, "I believe my God can"....but, can we say "I believe my God will"...or are we slow of heart to believe? Jesus not only can save you and deliver you - He will save you and deliver you. He not only can heal you - He will heal you. He not only can meet your every need - He will meet your every need!
If you believe Jesus is the Savior, who died for the sins of the world, why not let Him into your heart and cleanse you of your sins? If you believe Jesus is The Healer and went to The Cross for your healing as well, why not let Him heal you? If you believe that Jesus is the supplier of every need, why not let Him supply your need? If you believe Jesus is coming again, why not make sure you are ready for Him to come?
BE NOT AFRAID! Jesus said, "only believe! (Luke 8:50)
BE NOT AFRAID!...that God doesn't love you.
BE NOT AFRAID!...that God doesn't care.
BE NOT AFRAID!...that your need is too great - or that your need is too small.
BE NOT AFRAID!...that you have waited too long.
How foolish to be slow of heart to believe!
Only Believe!
Only believe that God is able.
Only believe that God is willing.
Only believe that He is able and willing......NOW to meet your need!
Perhaps, right now, you are sad and discouraged. Perhaps you are hurting, sick, weak and in need of healing. Perhaps you are in need of His blessing and His help.
Right NOW - He is drawing near to you.
Recognize His Presence.
Recognize His Power.
Believe He is able and willing to meet YOUR need.........Right now!"
