Emmaus Area Series

In our troubled times we feel a strange warmth in our heart that Jesus is with us. We walk the lonesome road. We climb the highest hills. We have seen the angels come and take our loved ones away. We have faced struggles, and sorrows, and trials, and temptations, and spiritual battles for our hearts desire. In the midst of all the things that happen in this world, when our hopes and dreams have come crashing down around us, there is this strange but warm feeling in our hearts that Jesus is with us.

The Original Word: καίω Phonetic Spelling: (kah'-yo) kaió: to kindle, burn…, ignite…, light, set on fire. That’s what sighting the risen Jesus will do for you. Even when you have doubts you can still be filled with joy and wonder. Even when you are fearful you can still celebrate. Even during confusing times you can still find something to laugh about. When you meet the risen savior you might not be able to see a solution. You might not be able to solve the equation. You might not be able to understand how things will get better. But because you see the risen Jesus is standing right there with you, you can rejoice and worship!

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing:

He breaks the power of canceled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean,

His blood availed for me.

When this reality really catches on in one’s life then it is because Jesus is risen our sins are canceled. Our wrongs can longer be held against us. Our sins are canceled, broken, shattered, and forgotten. What did you do when you first sighted the Easter Jesus and knew he is real? Do you remember the moment when you sighted this stranger on the road and first discovered who he was?

Like being at the optometrist office for an eye exam. Everything at first is blurry. Then after a series of questions. Choose one or two. Everything comes into focus. The last step is when the eye doctor shows you the difference of how you see before glasses and how clear you can see with the right prescription? How do you live different because of Easter?

When an organist plays “UM Hymn 322” they put their foot on a pedal. That pedal controls the volume. There are moments in the song where she backs off and it is slow and it is soft and then she puts her foot to the pedal and the stain glassed windows vibrate the chorus of “Up from the Grave He Arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes, he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. He arose! (She puts the foot to the pedal.) He arose! (She presses a little louder.) Hallelujah! Christ a-rose!” When you sing that song with what is called the “full crescendo” you know you have experienced Easter! You know you have really experienced Easter. When you experience the “full crescendo” of the Holy Spirit in your spiritual Christian life.

Go online and “Google” the word joy. You will get over 600 million results. But there is nothing else in life quite like the “joy and wonder” of believing that Easter is Jesus is really alive. These two men on the road to Emmaus “stood there doubting, filled with joy and wonder.” “Emmaus Area” Jesus Sightings Part 2