Crossroads and a Tailspin

 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;  but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:13-16

I am at the crossroads, and I don't know which way to turn. Many things seem apparent, clear, and focused, but now, I am not so sure. I do not know why I am in this situation. I listen, remain compliant, and am faithful. So, I have showed up for an appointment, but no one appears to be here- sorta like the play, Waiting for Godot. Like  a dreidel spun in a child's hands during the Festival of Lights, which end is up? (That's a second blog to accompany this one, so hold that thought).

It's a test, but what kind of test is it? Y'Shua knew that two disciples from Emmaus were despondent and disappointed, so He waited at their crossroads of faith and doubt to reassure their hearts.  He invites Himself into their problem, by pretending that He knows nothing of their turmoil, but isn't it why He is there. He does the same for us today. He sees us struggling for the breath of faith, and He comes and offers spiritual resuscitation.  He asks the same question, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" (v.17). And then He begins to walk with us, unraveling all our doubts and questions.

As I searched for a picture to accompany this blog, I found not only a picture, but some interesting words from another blog that confirmed what Holy Spirit was already showing me:' As David Runcorn points out in his book Rumours of Life; “The irony is that in the moment they decide to walk away from Jesus, Jesus appears to walk towards them…he deliberately seeks out to two disciples who are walking away from it all..and in drawing the story out of them, Jesus has the unusual experience of listening to his own obituary.”  The blog entitled, "Now you see Me, now you don't?" struck such a cord because it echoed this blog perfectly. When we are about to give up, Y'Shua shows up in the midst of our indecision or doubts of whether our faith in Him has been foolhardy.

See, according to verse 18, their very faces were downcast with their pain and grief, and even though, they could tell about Y'Shua's exploits, and even the report of his resurrection, they still questioned and struggled with the flesh and blood reality before them. Y'Shua rebukes them while on the road, but even his exhortations are not enough to dislodge their fear and despondency:

"He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." (Luke 24:25-27).

How so like me; I can tell you great things about who Y'shua  is and what He has done for, but notice the disciple's words of doubt, disappointment, and perhaps anger at Y'Shua's reneging: "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people" (v.18). Hey, I thought He was the Messiah, not just a prophet. Quickly they talked about what others have reported about Y'Shua not being in the tomb, but they do not  appear to be convinced, to hold any belief in what they have heard about Him being alive. When He does not arrive when expected, do I reduce my expectation? Am I afraid to boldly declare who He is for fear that He will fail me or that I will be castigated for making such bold claims?

 According to the same blog, "Oscar Wilde wrote that, 'Once at least in his life each man walks with Christ to Emmaus.'"   So very true. We will all be led to the crossroad of faith and doubt.Wherever you are now, beloved, trust Y'Shua to arrive.

"When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; and he vanished out of their sight.”(Luke 24, 30-31).

Emmaus-bound,
M.J.