On the day when Christ was resurrected, two of His disciples (not of the Twelve) were walking along a path that leads from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus.
A Stranger joined them, and in a pleasant, friendly way engaged in their conversation (a beautiful picture of what Jesus is like!).
He inquired why they seemed to be so sad.
They told the Stranger about Jesus, and their hopes that He might prove indeed to be the long-awaited Messiah.
As the Stranger began explaining Isaiah 53 and the other Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah, these two were deeply impressed. The cross does not mean that He cannot be the Messiah: it's the proof that He IS!
Their hearts burned within them with excitement! What they had thought meant that Jesus could not be the Messiah turned out to be the strongest evidence that He is!
When they reached their village of Emmaus, the Stranger appeared to say Goodbye and keep on going; but they begged Him, "Abide with us." The record says that they "constrained Him." Maybe with tears! "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent."
If you beg the Lord earnestly to "abide" with you, He will never turn away from you.
This story also teaches us another happy lesson: He will not leave us alone; He will provide someone to share our faith together!
That "friend" whom the Lord may give you for sharing your faith experience together, may not necessarily be physically near, but could be as close as the telephone.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
