Two weary souls trudged out of Jerusalem sullen and slowly, having just buried Jesus, along with all semblance of hope.
Think of it – seven miles in sandals and sorrow. Tiny grains of sand irritatingly rubbed between their toes. Sadness chafed their hearts. Confusion grated their minds. Then He appears, this clueless stranger, unaware of their misery it seems.
“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus...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 living in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that have happened there in these days?'” (Luke 24:13-18)
For certain, Jesus knew of “the things.” He endured the unjust trial, bore the fierce beatings, hung in crucifixion. And here He offers Himself yet again, walking and talking with two forlorn disciples. He passed the time as they journeyed by speaking to their hearts and taking their minds off the long walk and the sorrow. He showed up right on time when they needed a distraction to go the distance.
Seven miles later and a journey from Genesis to Calvary had the travelers burning in their souls instead of their feet, and ready to eat.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (Lk. 24:30) Jesus showed up when they were ready to see the truth.
Their seven mile journey back to Jerusalem that very same night went a little quicker. They ran! The hills seemed flatter, the rocks smoother, the distance shorter. Nothing about that treacherous road had varied, but two men were drastically changed. They ran without the burdens and carried Good News!
The sorrow lifted, the hope restored and two weary travelers were set free from despair, along with the rest of the world.
“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, 'It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.' Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.” (Lk. 24:33-35)
In the midst of their thrilling testimony, He shows up again, right on time as usual. The way prepared, their hearts receptive, Jesus spoke four simple words: “Peace be with you.”
The Lord did not arrive too early. He did not get there too late. He entered the scene at the exact moment necessary. When you are laden with care, He carries the burden and walks with you through the hardship. When you are willing to listen, He teaches and reaches the depth of your soul. When you need His presence and proof of His existence, He'll burst through the door.
Time may drag or time may fly. We may spring forth or turn back clocks. But nothing will keep the Lord from showing up.
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