Some wandered in the wilderness and could not find their way to a city to settle in. They wandered about hungry and thirsty, their lives ebbing away.
EASTER SERIES, HOMILY
WHAT IS PREVENTING YOU FROM RECOGNIZING YOUR BLESSING?|Wednesday Easter Octave
Do you know some persons are the cause of their own downfall? Do you know some bondages are self-inflicted and not caused by any demon or evil persons? Some have in their hands the keys to unlock solutions to their problems but are still locked out in bondage. Today the Lord shows us how this is possible and the way out if you wish to know read slowly…
Luke 24:13-35
Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free…Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself…
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Child of God, the bible says SOMETHING prevented the disciples from recognising Jesus. What could that be? There are possible hypothesis: it could be fear, disappointments, dashed hope, worries, etc. And because of these preoccupations they couldn’t recognise the cause of their worries among them- the source of their hope and liberation with them. Infact, they had in their hands keys to lockout windows of doubts and unlock doors of courage and happiness but couldn’t see it or use it.
2. Like them, we are sometimes blinded by our disappointments, problems and expectations that we fail to recognise the God-given opportunities laid bare to us everyday; and we stay locked up in self-inflicted bondages. The bible was right when in Psalm 107:4-5 it says:
As the Lord rebukes his disciples, so He does now. He rebukes out of you such manner of thinking and perception. He says Ephphatha! Let your eyes be open to see LIGHT and your ears be activated to hear good news.
3. As they journeyed 7 miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus, the Lord breaks their self-inflicted bondage caused by ignorance, unbelief and fear. Making them realise that the solution to their puzzles were written and coded in the scriptures. When you’re confused, or facing challenges and disappointments where do you go to in search of help? What do you consult for clarifications? Many have compounded their problems by seeking solutions from the wrong sources. Today the Lord Jesus says: THERE’S NO SOLUTIONS OUTSIDE ME! ALL SCRIPTURES (IN THE BIBLE) POINTS TO ME.
4. Remember as it took 7 miles of journeying with the Lord before the disciples recognize Jesus at the breaking of the bread, so also it is with us. We must be ready to journey with Jesus not 7 miles but our entire life to be truly blessed because the number 7 signifies completeness.
TASK: Pray Psalm 141 now and ask the Lord to make you know and understand his handiwork in your life that you may not miss out your blessings.
I pray for you: May your blessings never pass you by in Jesus name. Amen.
Amen
God bless you