CLEOPAS' DIARY - DAY 8

[This series of Devotions are in the format of Historical Fiction. The main facts are accurate, but the Diary is fictional.]

Text: Luke 24:13-17 (CSB) – Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.

Dear Diary: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES! As I recorded last night about our despondency – today – well it is the Greatest Day of My Life! Let me share ---

Another disciple and I were walking home to Emmaus where we called from. We were despondent and discussing all the things that had happened over the last week. The highest of highs to the deepest of lows. And, as we were walking along, we suddenly became aware of someone walking with us. We didn’t recognize who he was. He asked what we were discussing as we went along the road. Shocked, we looked at each other and asked was he a stranger in these parts?

We began to describe to him what had happened over the last eight days. How the Rabbi had been praised on the first day of the week and then cursed by much of the same crowd on the sixth day. We told of his scourgings and crucifixion at the hand of the Romans. And, we told how rumors were spreading today that certain women had gone to the tomb and found it empty. They claimed to have a vision of an Angel who told them he had risen from the dead. Some ran to the tomb, found it empty but never saw him.

Well, diary, at that point he began to go back in the Scriptures – to Moses and all the Prophets – and explained how the Messiah must suffer to provide the true deliverance that we needed. And when we had arrived at our destination, we insisted that he eat with us. He agreed, and when he began to bless the meal – all of a sudden we realized that this was the Rabbi – this was Jesus. And He was alive and well. We quickly returned to Jerusalem and shared with the rest – HE’S ALIVE! HE’S ALIVE! HE’S ALIVE AND I’M FORGIVEN!

You see, diary, we mistook the deliverance that the Messiah was to accomplish. We assumed it would be a physical deliverance. The true deliverance that He provided is for our eternal being. He became the one and only final sacrifice for our sin. He died in my place. He provided deliverance from Hell and Death for me. As He taught – “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 CSB).

Friend – this Easter Sunday, as you read these words – what is your relationship with the Risen Son of God? Have you a time in your life where you realized your need for this connection to God? Have you repented of your sins and turned to God? Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to be delivered from the penalty, power, and presence of sin? If you haven’t, today could be the best day of your life. Where you are, just pray to God from your heart – tell Him you are turning from your sin to Him. Tell Him you are leaving your past behind and letting Him be the Lord and Master of your life. Receive this Easter Day the greatest gift ever given by the greatest Giver of all time – Eternal Life with God.