Fuel for Faith

UV 582/10,000 Fuel for Faith Luke 24 v 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?” As the resurrected Jesus talked to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, His words burnt into their hearts and convicted them that it was the truth that He spoke. The seven miles of their journey would have taken more than an hour. Similarly, we must each spend an hour each day listening to the Lord opening the Scriptures to us. It might even be while we are travelling to some place that we listen to the Word. It is the Word of God burning in us that makes us lamps in clay pots for the world. The Holy Spirit will illumine the Word to our hearts. Even after all the dramatic events of the preceding Passion week, the disciples could not believe what they heard. They were distressed and confused. But, when Jesus taught them, they were touched to the hearts. Their understanding expanded. Their faith quickened or came alive. Till that moment they only thought Jesus was only a prophet, powerful in word and deed. Their eyes opened to recognize that it was truly Jesus who had been speaking to them. They now received Him along with His Word as the Lord. At that time Jesus disappeared from their sight. Like the disciples we, too, blinded by too much reason and too little faith are not able to recognize the presence of God in our lives. We are not able to discern the meaning of different events in our lives. We are unable to recognize when Jesus Himself is talking with us. But, when He speaks with us, we will sense a burning of our hearts. The Word is fuel for our faith. It is as if the flame of truth has been lit in our darkened hearts and minds, giving us a sense of purpose, direction, meaning and power. We can now lead lives that are powerful in word and deed. Whatever road we are travelling on,we will realize it is part of the journey back to God, the journey to eternity and Heaven. Instead of Jesus disappearing from our sight, we can now ask Him to tarry or stay with us. Prateep V Philip