Hearts ablaze ∙∙

Hearts ablaze ∙∙

So, they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32

Luke 24:13-35

13 That same day, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.
15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.
16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.
18 “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.”

21 “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.”

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment, he disappeared!
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

Rocky IV, starring Sylvester Stallone, was released in 1985. It quickly soared to remarkable heights, becoming the most financially successful sports film of its time and the highest-grossing sports movie for 24 years. In the film, Rocky comes out of retirement to fight a formidable Russian fighter named Ivan Drago. The fight was slated to occur in Moscow on Christmas.

Unexpectedly, this epic heavyweight championship bout had profound repercussions for both the fighters and the world. While the audience fully expected Rocky to emerge victorious—and he did—the fight went on to change the lives of both characters and have wider implications on a global scale.

The theme song is Burning Heart. The final lyrics are as follows:

In the burning heart just about to burst.
There’s a quest for answers and an unquenchable thirst.
In the darkest night, rising like a spire.
In the burning heart, the unmistakable fire.

Every member of the human race is born spiritually blind, insensitive, and unaware. We are fallen creatures living in a fallen world. In our natural, fallen state, we live with veiled perception, blinded to the Truth. We walk by sight, not by faith. Sometimes, something touches our hearts, igniting a fire within us. But does that feeling last? Sadly, it does not. These moments of fervor are transient. The sparks fade, the embers grow dark, and we return to our former indifference and insensitivity.

The cold, lonely darkness deepens when we feel sad, discouraged, or confused. The Gospel of Luke tells the poignant story of two people walking on the road to Emmaus, clouded with gloom and despair. Why? They had once walked with the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples in Jerusalem, harboring high aspirations and expectations, believing Jesus was the awaited Messiah, the Hope of Israel. But then something terrible happened: He was betrayed, falsely accused, handed over to the Romans, and crucified. When Jesus died, all hope and joy seemed to die with Him.

The cold, lonely darkness deepens when we feel sad, discouraged, or confused. The Gospel of Luke tells the poignant story of two people walking on the road to Emmaus, clouded with gloom and despair. Why? They had once walked with the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples in Jerusalem, harboring high aspirations and expectations, believing Jesus was the awaited Messiah, the Hope of Israel. But then something terrible happened: He was betrayed, falsely accused, handed over to the Romans, and crucified. When Jesus died, all hope and joy seemed to die with Him.

The two travelers were utterly dejected, grappling with the turmoil and astonishing events of the past few days. Suddenly, something marvelous occurred: the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared, joining them on their path. However, the Father supernaturally prevented them from recognizing Him.

When someone is confused and distressed, simply talking about it can provide relief. The Lord Jesus is a master at helping people open up. What does He do? He engages them in conversation, asking questions that create a safe space for their emotions to be expressed and understood. They unload their innermost thoughts and concerns, revealing what they knew and believed.

Their hopes and expectations had been shattered, leaving them profoundly disillusioned. Unmet expectations can be devastating to our souls and spirits. Jesus had not only been rejected and crucified, but now it was the third day. Wasn’t something significant supposed to happen on the third day? Yet, as far as they knew, nothing had.

They heard rumors: an empty tomb, a missing body, and sightings of angels. But who could trust such seemingly fanciful tales? Doubts crept in, leading them to conclude that these accounts were nothing more than the imaginative musings of disillusioned and possibly hysterical disciples, their faith shaken by discouragement.

Pause for a moment. Can you imagine the thoughts swirling in their minds as they pondered the enigmatic identity of their new companion? Was He entirely out of touch? Was He dense? Was he the only guy who didn’t have a clue about what had been going on?

It seems paradoxical that those lacking insight and understanding would accuse another of being similarly unaware.

REFLECT & PRAY

But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! – Jeremiah 20:9

Father, I want my heart to burn within me and never be extinguished. Please ignite and maintain a fiery chain reaction to the Truth and the nourishment Your Word alone provides.

INSIGHT

The Word of God is profound and sublime. It often employs simple, easily understood stories to convey profound truths.

In the Gospel of Luke, a humble yet powerful narrative unfolds. The value and impact of this story far exceed the events themselves. It highlights the sadness and despair of shattered human hopes while demonstrating the power of God’s Word to illuminate and provide truth about many of life’s mysteries. Even a tiny amount of truth, when understood and internalized, can warm our hearts and ignite a passionate flame within us.

A touch of traditional faith and a brief Sunday school lesson can change everything. The Lord Jesus Christ asked probing questions that whetted the disciples’ appetites. A little spark was all it took to set things in motion.

Luke 24:27,32

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

The Holy Spirit used gentle persuasion to prepare their hearts and minds to receive. Then came the rush of insight, and the eyes of their hearts were opened. It was a profound aha moment. Then, something even more extraordinary happened that left them forever changed. Their spiritual hunger was satisfied through the nutritious food of the Word of God. They wanted more!

How can we get excited about God’s Word? It must be read with understanding. Sometimes, this requires a tutor to show us the way. The Father provides teachers just for this purpose. We begin where we are and let the Truth of the Word speak to our hearts.

Spiritual fire deep within is available to every child of the King. Only you can prevent spiritual fires from burning hot and bright.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 4-25-1

© Dr. H 2024