PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 24:28-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
This is what I hope for, and look for, when I read the bible.
As I read, I pay attention to the thoughts that warm or stir my heart or mind.
If a line jumps out at me, I zoom in on that line and dwell on it.
In those moments, I believe that the Spirit of Jesus is speaking to me.
This also happens as I go through my day, in conversations or experiences.
Something in the news will catch my attention, will connect with me.
Or a scene in a movie will provoke tears, or anger… the Spirit is stirring.
I don’t always know why that verse, or experience, affects me the way it does.
But my assumption is that the Spirit of Jesus is trying to get my attention.
This requires active listening, paying attention and digging in.
I turn that thought or phrase around in my mind, and reflect on it with Jesus.
I look behind that thought or phrase, I ruminate on on it from all angles.
In time something makes sense – sometimes very clear, sometimes very subtle.
But like these disciples, in these times I feel like I’ve been with Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the gift of the Emmaus moments, when my eyes are opened and I realize its you.
Eyes opened and hearts burning! Those are the precious moments that changed my life. Jesus, stayed with me and opened my eyes and my heart yearns for him. I’m not always burning though, sometimes I’m very cool – but it is not Jesus that has gone away – it is me going on my own way. Then I do get cool, even cold. Yet he does not give up on me and he re-opens my eyes – and then my heart warms up again! Help me Lord not to be so caught up in the cares and issues of this world that I neglect to fan the flames in my heart – to at the same time serve – to be earthly good too! As I walk each day – open my eyes and let my heart burn and feel you stirring me.
Remember Samuel?
The Lord spoke to him and he did not recognize His voice at first. So too was it with the travelers. So too it is true for me. I need to open my eyes and ears to hear Him speaking to me. I need to stop, look, and listen for His voice saying, This is the way. Walk in it.
1 Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
5 Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.