Heavy Hearts Set Ablaze

Heavy Hearts Set Ablaze

By Greg Johnson

May 20, 2007

Many today have heavy hearts. They are downtrodden and depressed with the hardships and anxieties of life. They are perplexed and confused as the try to cope and make sense of what is going on around them. Such were two followers of Christ as they walked on the road to Emmaus after the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus. Listen in as they try to cope and make sense. (Luke 24:13-24 NIV) "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. {14} They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. {15} As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; {16} but they were kept from recognizing him. {17} He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. {18} One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" {19} "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. {20} The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; {21} but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. {22} In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning {23} but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. {24} Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.""

They were confused to the point of referring to Jesus as a prophet instead of the Messiah. They thought that since Jesus died on the cross, He could no longer be the awaited Messiah. To add to their confusion, they are now being told that the tomb were they put Jesus was empty. Their faith is fragile. They don’t know what to think or what to believe. Their hearts are heavy. They are so numb they don’t even feel Jesus’ presence when He is walking with them. What about you today friend? Is your heart heavy as you try to cope with the hardships and anxieties of life? Are you numb to the presence of Jesus? Jesus will minister to you today in a very real and intense way. Jesus’ presence will become very real to you as you open your heart to Him and His Word.

JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF THROUGH SCRIPTURE.

Jesus refuses to leave these two in the same state that He finds them. Notice what He does. (Luke 24:25-27 NIV) "He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! {26} Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" {27} And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."

Jesus points them to God’s Word and begins to reveal Himself to them through Scripture. The devil will try to do everything that he can to keep us away from the Bible, God’s Holy Word. And Satan intensifies this obstructing behavior during the hard times in our life. He knows that the cure for a heavy heart is Christ revealed through Scripture. Beloved, be alert and do not fall for the schemes of the devil. Stay in God’s Word every day and increase the volume of the Word you devour during the hard times. Allow life’s hardships, trials and anxieties to drive you to God’s Word. It’s in God’s Word that Jesus will come to you in a very special way as the Holy Spirit will use Scripture to focus your attention on Jesus instead of your difficulty.

JESUS’ PRESENCE IS WITH THOSE THAT OPEN THEIR HEARTS TO HIM.

These two open their hearts to Jesus and He ministers to them in a very special way. (Luke 24:28-31 NIV) "As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. {29} But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. {30} When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. {31} Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight."