Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 24:28-31 | 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
LUKE 22:19 | 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
How is Jesus known? The story of the Emmaus walk and visit shows us several dimensions of the answer. He is known in “the breaking of the bread.” The eyes of the disciples were opened at the table, and they recognized Jesus.
Worship and sacraments are alluded to here, for this language echoes the last supper and the establishing of the practice of communion. In the weekly, ordinary practice of regular worship, our eyes can be opened to see and sense the presence of Jesus! Can you imagine encountering Jesus in Resurrected form—able to eat and drink in the normal way but also appear and disappear?
Do you prepare for worship with the expectation of encountering Jesus?
Gracious God,
Thank You that whenever and wherever we gather together in Your name, You are present.
Amen.
