For when I am discouraged

Luke 24: 13-32  The Message

Jesus draws near to the deeply discouraged 

13-16 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.

...in the midst of perplexity, confusion, deep disappointment and discouragement, 

Jesus drew near but they were unaware of him. 

 I may not feel you, or be aware of you, but...

 " The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

    He saves those whose spirits have been crushed." Psalm 34:18 ICB

Jesus helps them express what they are thinking and feeling

 to put it into words and share with him

He simply asks questions and listens. 

They had been intensely talking before with each other, 

but He invites them to share what is on their hearts and minds with him.  

I believe he knows exactly what is troubling them and what they need to hear. 

But He first invites then to share it with him, in their own words.  

17-18 He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?”

19-24 He said, “What has happened?”

They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.”

What follows is the only commentary or feedback Jesus gives them.  We don't know the tone these words were said in, strong or gentle, loud or soft.  They hit harsh, but they are true words.  Yes. Lord when I am discouraged,  sometimes I don't just need encouragement.  but something strong to get through the places of my heart that have become hardened by grief or loss, by suffering, confusion or disappoinment  

Whatever the reason,  thank you for always speaking the truth in love to me. You don't sugar coat, smooth over or avoid saying the truth I need to hear.  O Lord , give me grace to receive the truth you are trying to show me

25-27 Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.

Only when my heart has been opened by expressing it all to you and your truth is breaking the hard places 

Only then does He open the Scriptures

When my heart has become soft and open, He plants the good seed that does not return empty or void but will grow and produce fruit

Only then can my eyes be opened to see Him 

He waits to be invited

Oh, how  I love you

You do not force, badger, or pressure

You give freedom of choice

You wait to be invited

28-31 They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.” So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.

32 Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?”

Yes, Lord

Don't go

Come in

Stay

Bless and Break

Give

Open my eyes to see and know you

As I read your Word

Today

right here

and right now

Not some other day

or some other place

not later

Now

Today

Here

I Worship you Lord