Luke 24:13-35
Some of the saddest words in the Gospels is in verse 21 “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” Have you ever noticed that some of the saddest words in our language begin with the letter D? For example, disappointment, doubt, disillusionment, defeat, despair and death. All of these are summed up in the words of Cleopas and his companion to the stranger who joined them on the Emmaus Road.
Easter Sunday, preached of the danger we have when we turn Jesus in to someone to memorialize, to remember for all the great things he taught, miracles he performed, and sermons he preached. That is “Was-Faith.” And these two, not unwilling to be called “one of the group,” were in despair because Jesus is now in the past-tense. They had heard whispers of the resurrection. Most people have heard rumors of the resurrection even today. But a “Was-faith” had driven all hope from their hearts.
As the story unfolds, Jesus explains the declaration of the prophets, then he breaks bread with him (this is my body) opening their eyes to the presence of the resurrected Christ at their table. Their “was-faith” becomes an “Is-faith.” They rejoin those in Jerusalem and proclaim “The Lord has risen indeed.”
Our disappointment, doubt, disillusionment, defeat, despair and death comes from the “Was-faith.” This what Jesus was when…… “When Pastor so-and-so was here” or “When Mom and Dad took me to church”, or “When I expected the Lord to do something in my life.” All these are “was-events” but Jesus is not a “was”, “He Is!”
That is the Resurrection Message! He is living, and not among the dead. He is life itself. This message has to filter down into every action, relationship, decision, and direction we have in our lives. That is the “The Lord has risen indeed” proclamation that we make every moment as our lives are transformed by the hope that Jesus brings.
Pastor Greg
