Today's Scripture
worship encounter – Luke 24:13-35
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Luke 24 John 20-21(CEB)
13 On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. 15 While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. 16 They were prevented from recognizing him.
17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast.
18 The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”
19 He said to them, “What things?”
They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. 20 But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. 22 But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.”
25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.
28 When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. 29 But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”
33 They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” 35 Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.
What does this passage mean to me/us
The walk to Emmaus is a painting that hangs in my parent’s living room. It is one of my favorite paintings.
I’ve always liked that painting, and one day at our Local Pastor’s school I learned why I liked it so much.
There was a beautiful story of God encountering the disciples, and how it resonated with worship.
To learn more about worship and why I see this story as worship, click ‘https://youtu.be/xthMpRPUWTg‘
Why do we worship?
Not because God needs our worship, but because we need God’s touch through worship.
As we come to worship, we are surrendering our lives to God, acknowledging that we need God.
When we come with a humble heart, we witness how God touches our spirit and life.
With that encounter, we are sent back to the world to continue the work of God’s kingdom in this world.
Worship is the essence of our faith journey.
Worship is what we are called to be part of for eternity.
Prayer
Lord, help us to worship you with all our heart, mind, and soul, today. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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