Luke 24:13-16

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from him.

It was getting towards the end of Easter Day and the light was fading as these two people trudged back home. It had been an incredibly strange time for them. Their hero Jesus had died in horrifying circumstances two days previously. They had heard some women report that Jesus had risen from death, but they didn’t know what to make of it. Suddenly a stranger started walking alongside them – they had no idea that it was Jesus. Even when the stranger accepted their invitation to go back to their home, they still didn’t realise that it was him.

This beautiful account will strike a chord with most of us. There have probably been many times when we have felt alone, but in fact Jesus was walking alongside us all the time. For some reason we didn’t realise that he was there. Perhaps we were distracted, tired, confused or angry. Or perhaps life was just too busy, and we couldn’t spot Jesus amidst the busyness.

Isaiah addressed a similar situation in chapter 40 of his prophecy. The people were in exile and felt that God had abandoned them. But Isaiah put them right. God was constantly with them. In fact, unlike them, God never went to sleep. He was always on the job, giving strength to his people. “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Whatever you are going through today you can be sure of this: whether you recognise him or not, Jesus is walking beside you.

Question

Have you ever been surprised to discover that Jesus is walking with you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you that you never leave my side. Open my eyes to your presence with me today. Amen