“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on 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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.” Luke 24.28-35
The Lord is risen! Imagine hearing this for the first time, perhaps not fully comprehending. The disciples were in the upper room as news flooded in that Jesus was no longer in the tomb but had been raised from the grave. Then the men from Emmaus came to verify what the women had discovered, saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon!”
God was in their midst. The grave could not hold the sinless Lamb of God. He appeared first to His closest disciples and then to many, many more. The initial surprise, awakening, and awareness of His presence brought overwhelming joy. Jesus was alive, and He was once again among His people.
This has been a wonderful week in Colorado at the Revive Men’s Retreat—year fifteen and counting. In each instance, each year, and each retreat, God offers His presence to His people. He does not remain hidden. Like Jesus appearing on the road to Emmaus, God appears among His people.
During the days when men are walking, talking, playing, and sharing, Jesus is among us. When we worship at night, God is here. When we have fellowship, the Spirit is moving. Sometimes He gently surprises us, and other times it is an outright and full-blown visitation by the Lord. He is faithful. He brings joy, and He awakens His people to His love, grace, and power.
I am grateful to the Lord for revealing Himself to us, for blessing us, and for walking with us so we do not have to walk alone. For that, and for His presence, I give thanks!
“O Lord, we have one final day of this men’s retreat, and I ask You to show Yourself again. Help us know the power of Your love and the gift of Your presence. Come now, Holy Spirit. Find us willing and ready to receive Your love. I praise You, Lord, for Your love and for the kindness You show us. I trust You to guide us, disciple us, and walk with us. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.