He Walks With Us On The Journey

"While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, 'What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?' And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, 'Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?' …And he said to them, 'O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, 'Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.' So he went in to stay with them. 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 recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?'" 1

Emmaus

A Stranger touched my grumbling heart;
He walked with me along my way.
At first my hurt held us apart,
But He heard what I had to say.

He chides me for my faith so weak;
Yet comforts my heart with the Word.
My heart sinks lower as I speak;
Yet it rises when He is heard.

He opens the Word and reveals
God's hand within my history:
My past is pardoned as it heals;
My heart enflames in God's mercy.

As the day wanes at journey's end,
The Stranger feigns to carry on.
"Stay with me!", I urge my new Friend,
Let us dine now that day is done.

We set at table, gratefully,
We share a prayer over the bread.
My eyes open; I see clearly:
My Lord Jesus! 'Twas He that led!

His Presence, veiled in the Stranger,
Is near to us throughout each day;
Our faith's strengthened when He's obscure;
Yet He shares each step of the way.




(c) Paul Buis, 2002

_________________________
1. Luke 24:15-18, 25-32