St. Augustine of Hippo (5th century) reflects on the dimness of their perception: "They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind".  How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us?

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

Acts 3:1-10

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

L uke 24:13-35  That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, (14) and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. (15) While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. (16) But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (17) And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. (18) Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (19) And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God  and all the people, (20) and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. (21) But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel . Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. (22) Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning (23) and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. (24) Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." (25) And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (27) And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (28) So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, (29) but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. (30) When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. (31) And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. (32) They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" (33) And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem ; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, (34) who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" (35) Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Meditation by Don Schwager

H ave you experienced destruction in your past? God wants to complet ely restore you. He wants to make you strong, firm and steadfast—He wants to make you better than before!

Sometimes, when you are in the midst of difficulty, you can't quite see the restoration God has prepared. You can't quite see how He can turn it around for your good. But that's when you have to take a step of faith and trust that He is the God of restoration, and He is working behind the scenes on your behalf!

Father God, thank You for being a restorer and a rewarder of the people who seek You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes in my life, ready to bring Your restoration. In Jesus' Name. Amen. --Joel Osteen

• 04/08/2010 13:41 - Apr 12, 2010 - Monday Meditation (Be Born Again!)
• 04/08/2010 13:36 - Apr 11, 2010 - Sunday Meditation (Willing to be Sent?)
• 04/08/2010 13:34 - Apr 10, 2010 - Saturday Meditation (Power of Testimonies!)
• 04/08/2010 13:32 - Apr 9, 2010 - Friday Meditation (And I will run to You)
• 04/05/2010 01:42 - Apr 8, 2010 - Thursday Meditation (Shalom My Friends...)

• 04/05/2010 01:37 - Apr 6, 2010 - Tuesday Meditation (That Your Joy Maybe Full)
• 04/04/2010 01:52 - Apr 5, 2010 - Monday Meditation (Do Not Be Afraid! Tell the World... JESUS Lives!)
• 04/03/2010 00:59 - Apr 4, 2010 - Resurrection Sunday (Tell the World that JESUS LIVES!)
• 04/02/2010 05:31 - Apr 3, 2010 - Saturday Meditation (From the Grave to the Sky, LORD I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH!)
• 03/31/2010 21:25 - Apr 2, 2010 - Good Friday Meditation (Triumphant Defeats!)