” … He interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures (Old Testament)”.

Jesus joins the two disciples as they were journeying to Emmaus. They were looking sad, even though they had just heard and were astounded by the message “He is alive”. It seems that they were looking for and hoping for a different kind of king, one who would redeem Israel and restore it to its former glory. To them, Jesus had failed in his mission. Jesus’ response: “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” (Luke 24: 25, 26)

The gospel, the good news that Jesus gave us, is not about emotions to be felt or ideas to be discussed, but about a relationship with the Lord. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me…” (Jer. 29: 11-13). God’s plan has been to raise up a people for the good of all humanity, a people through whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. And for Israel as well as for Jesus, there was despair and suffering. And so it is for Christians, we too must suffer at the hands of others and see death before we can see life.

“Grant us grace sufficient for life’s day” (Hymn 255). God is trustworthy. He is faithful to life’s end. He will turn our mourning into dancing, remove our sackcloth, and clothe us with joy. (Ps. 30:11). And so we will not (cannot) be silent, but will praise Him and give thanks forever. (vs. 12).

As Hymn 262 exhorts us, let us live our lives “…and to others be a blessing”.

Michael N.