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Listen to the devotional here: https://amzn.to/2RRPxsf
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 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. 18 Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." 25 And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 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. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 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?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:13-35 RSV)
A blessed and tranquil Monday be yours, dear Friendo is my prayer for you and yours. My prayer is also for the family of Mrs. Willene Tate, a dear, sweet lady from our church in Gonzales, who entered the Church Triumphant this past Thursday. I had the pleasure of being one of her pastors who took her Holy Communion on a monthly basis. This past week I sent her a note telling her of my love and appreciation for her and then I received word that she had died. Please pray for others who are in great need. The news this weekend showed the thousands of people in San Antonio who were lining up for free food giveaway at the Alamodome. I repented of my complaints of delays in curbside appointments knowing so many (22 million thus far who are unemployed) are in need of what we take for granted. Please join me in those prayers. Also, The Rev. Mario Salfate, Bishop of the Methodist Pentecostal Church of Chile, died of COVD-19, after having held their annual conference. Pray for his family and for several who attended the conference who contracted the illness there. I continue to urge all of us to be careful and mindful of the recommendations still in effect; keep your distance, do not touch others, wear a mask and gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands. We trust God, but we do not put God to the test. Pray for one another. Pray for yourselves.
A sadness that has touched me and so many, is the reality that those who have died recently, have mostly died alone, and if funerals are held, only ten people are allowed to attend. Most are being privately buried and memorial services will be held when this crisis is over. Which brings us to these two Christian believers walking home from the events in Jerusalem. They lived in a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. This was a funeral walk, the kind one has experienced from graveside back to their vehicle. Thank God that in most cases that is not a seven mile walk. What I sort of remember from my mother's and father's funerals is just a foggy blue of sadness, disbelief and sorrow. I don't remember who may have talked to me or offered words of comfort. One can imagine that these two were in similar mental states with a longer walk from graveside to home. They were having a discussion and talking about the events that had unfolded in Jerusalem. It's easy to believe that these two also had foggy minds, sad hearts, and an unclear idea of all they had seen, heard, and experienced. Sadness, grief, and disbelief were probably present. And in the presence of these, here comes the Lord. Jesus asks them what they were talking about, and they explained. They expressed the hope they had had in Jesus as the One who could redeem Israel. And they also shared how the women had shared news about a missing body and the presence of angels. It is then that Jesus shares the truth; all that had happened had been necessary, and in an incredible move, the Lord Jesus shared a revelation from the scriptures about Himself, from Moses, through the prophets, the truths about His glory and power. These two were so impressed with the incredible Bible study they had received, they asked Jesus to stay with them. They invited Jesus to eat, and it was when He took the bread and broke it that they realized just Who it was who was eating with them. And at that very moment, He vanished. They realized the powerful blessing they had been a part of, and rejoiced to the point of rushing back to Jerusalem. The seven mile funeral walk became a seven mile victory run. They reached the disciples and shared the news: "The Lord has risen indeed!" And also how they had walked with Him and realized Who He was then He broke the bread.
Christ is present every time we break bread and take the cup. I know it's been some Sundays since we have actually participated in a church-setting where we received Communion, but even if you took a piece of sliced bread and orange juice, the memory of what Christ did for you is enough to bless you in the same way you are blessed in worship. Some have eaten cookies and milk while their online preacher blessed and celebrated the sacrament, and Christ has been made real. Christ is also present with us during this crisis. He is present and powerful to share His calm and peace as we face the uncertainty of what may be ahead, and just how long it will take for this to be all over. It was that reality that blessed the hymn writer to pen "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand; all other ground is sinking sand." Friend, stand on the certainty and strength of Christ Jesus. Avoid the other things that present themselves as solid but turn out to be "sinking sand."
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You know our hearts, and which ones are full and healthy, and which are weak and hurting. We pray for comfort for those whose families were mentioned above; the Tate Family, the family of The Rev. Mario Salfate, Bishop of the Methodist Pentecostal Church of Chile, and all who mourn anywhere for loved ones who have died. We pray for the anxious, the lonely, the ones who dearly miss human contact and interaction. Bless those who need to feel the resurrection power of Christ in their hearts; and it is in Christ Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Shine the love of Jesus in any way you can today!
Receive my blessing of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
