“Sometimes the Savior walks beside us long before we recognize His presence.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked with heavy hearts. Jesus had been crucified, and the hope they had placed in Him seemed to have died with Him. Even after hearing that His tomb was empty, they struggled to understand what had happened. As they spoke together, the resurrected Savior drew near and walked with them, but they did not recognize Him. He listened to their sorrow and opened the scriptures to them. Later, as He broke bread, their eyes were opened and they knew Him.
I wonder how often we walk our own road to Emmaus. We pray for answers, yet the future remains uncertain. We experience loss, disappointment, or a change we did not see coming, and we wonder where God is. Like those disciples, we may be so focused on what we expected Him to do that we struggle to see what He is doing. His presence may come through a person who listens, a scripture that brings clarity, or strength to take the next step. We may recognize His hand only when we look back.
After Jesus departed, the disciples remembered how their hearts had burned within them as He spoke. They had felt something before they understood who was with them. We can choose to make room for that same quiet witness. When life is painful or confusing, we can bring our questions to God, search His word, and listen with humility. We can also extend to others the patience and companionship the Savior gave His disciples. As we learn to recognize Christ along the way, we become more willing to walk as He walked.
Scripture:
“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” — Luke 24:32
Daily Application:
Reflect on a difficult season in your life. Write down one moment when you received comfort, guidance, or strength, and offer a prayer of gratitude for the Savior’s companionship.