Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “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. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 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. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Sometimes when we are involved with God and his work, we dream of what could be accomplished with his power. I was a part of a church a few years back that was growing quickly and had a great plan for service and outreach. They plugged people into service when they first came on board, and they had fun outreach events, and everyone felt welcomed and loved when they came to church. I was leading in a couple of areas and felt like God was using me. I had a lot of dreams for where this could go.

But things changed, the church began to preach, at times, things other than God’s word, and misapplied scripture. God’s Spirit put it on my heart to call this out in a loving way to the pastor, and then, when nothing happened, to the elders. I did this, and the result was that they did not receive my concerns well. After I did this, we really had no choice but to leave, and the church and I were at an impasse. I left dejected and feeling sorry for myself. I had so many dreams of where this could go. But they all fell apart.

I think this is how the two disciples felt here. They were disillusioned and in despair. They had plans for Jesus and his power. And now, it all seemed for naught.

I had felt the same way, given all of the time and energy I had spent helping start a ministry up in the church, praying over needs, leading groups, etc. It seemed as though the plans I had in my mind were “Godly” plans. Why shouldn’t God help see them through?

Along came a friend of mine named Todd, who introduced me to a lock-in weekend program called Like it Matters. I didn’t really think I needed any help. He knew I did. And the program changed my perspective on life and how I dealt with fears and what I am here for. I had let The Fear of Rejection pretty much paralyze me. I could not confidently lead while I was worrying about other people’s opinions of me.
God used this program to help me conquer my fear of rejection. I reconnected to be present with my wife and family, and began to seek out the help I needed to heal and continue to serve. He helped me see that my plans for him are not as interesting to him, because his plans for me are way better. And his plans involve challenge, pain, and suffering at times. These plans of God: 1) force us to rely on God for our strength, 2) build character and faith markers in our life when God sees us through, and 3) make in us a spiritually fortified faith.

The two disciples here had not yet learned this lesson, as they were making plans for God too. Jesus was incredibly patient with them and explained, in detail, God’s generational plans for salvation to them. He loved them. He could have just said, “I am Jesus, so all is well now.” But he didn’t. He wanted them to work through the pain and challenge with him.

And I have found this is exactly what he desires of you and me. He wants us to trust him and work through the struggles of life with him as our guide. When I don’t understand, when I am at my wits end as to why God has put me in an extremely challenging, seemingly “no-win” situation – I must choose to TRUST GOD AGAINST ALL ODDS! And when I do, he, against all odds, makes all things new. He makes the impossible possible and shows us his glory!

Lord, thank you for this passage that shows that the disciples dealt with doubt and despair, just like I do at times. And just like you did with them, you will come alongside me in patience and show me your plan unfolding, if I am willing to listen. Keep my ears open and willing to listen, I pray!