The Road to Emmaus

This past week I was reminded of the story from Luke 24 verses 13 - 32. It’s the story of the men on the road to Emmaus when Jesus walked up beside them. You probably remember the story; they are walking along, talking about the death of Christ and the strange reports of “Jesus sightings” throughout Jerusalem. They don’t know what to think when along comes a stranger, who appears to be oblivious to the situation yet enlightened with deep revelation of scripture and prophecy.

It is only as they get him to enjoy dinner with them that their eyes are opened, and they wonder why it took so long to recognize him. “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road?” they wondered.

I have had many “heart burning” experiences in my life, moments where God is so real that my chest seamed set afire by His presence. Not the, “I shouldn’t have eaten that last onion smothered chili dog,” burning sensation. No, this sensation can make you weak in the knees or give you a sense of passion for prayer, intercession or action. It is a fire that drives you to push further in prayer, or strive harder to complete the mission set before you.

By the statements of these two men, it seems evident that they were familiar with this fire. They were familiar with the sensation and knew the fire was always kindled by Christ. It must have amazed them that they could feel the same fire kindled in their hearts as they walked with this stranger.

The fire roaring in their hearts, from the conversations on the way, compelled them to keep the source of this heat near them. It drove them to constrain this stranger to stay with them, and their diligence opened the door to the revelation of Christ. Their obedience to the fire made the way for their eyes to be opened and their lives changed forever.

There are times when we will serve God and live only on a feeling. There are times when we will endure the dry and quiet lands, when God seems a million miles away. But there are the times when God will prompt us with His consuming fire in our hearts.

When you feel the fire, push! When you feel the fire, run! You are on the brink. Your life changing event is just before you!

But if we have never felt the heat, perhaps we should check our path. Perhaps we have never walked close enough to the fire.

The Oak Trees

Some of you may have noticed my absence. I wasn’t online, I didn’t answer my email and I didn’t write an article last week for the website. Instead, I ran away. I loaded up the family and escaped to the little slice of heaven my in-laws own in northern Florida.

Their little slice of heaven is the perfect place to get away, wander through the woods and sit by a meandering brook. I spent some time lazily exploring the property. I watched clouds chase birds across the sky and listened to the orchestra of nature play an overture of joy. I stared up into a cloudless night sky and marveled at the millions of stars staring back. I sat by a roaring bonfire, enjoying the warmth as the flames warred against the cool night air.

On one particular excursion, I wandered down by the brook that cuts across the lower portion of the property. The soft sound of the miniature waterfall and rippling current rejoiced my heart and calmed my soul. I began to look at the oak trees growing tall and strong beside the water. Their straight trunks stretched toward heaven and their uplifted boughs gave wave offerings in the wind. It was beautiful and peaceful, and I loved it.

As I stood staring at the oaks, I was reminded of Psalms chapter 1.

Blessed is the man who delights in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. (Emphasis Added)

I couldn’t help but think that this is what the writer was describing, as I stared at these mighty oak trees stretching out toward heaven. These strong trees sent out roots that stretched into the soil beside this softly babbling stream. As I explored closer to the water, the roots became more thick and obvious.

As I stood at the water’s edge, I surveyed the scene. This part of the property is on a gentle slope, with the brook running through the valley. As I gazed across the ground, I noticed small gullies where rains had flowed down the hill digging out small trenches as they sought this tranquil stream.

But something else caught my attention as I stared at this beautiful scene. In places where the gullies had formed, the roots of these oak trees were now exposed. The roots were revealed, but only the tops, as their steadying presence and ingrained strength held back the soil from being washed away. Beyond the roots the soil was gone, as though someone had cut it away with a sharpened shovel, but the soil protected by the strength of the tree held its place. The effect looked almost like stair steps.

These mighty oak trees, in their search for moisture and nourishment, had given the ground around them a new stability it lacked without them. These roots that had grown to insure continued growth and strength, assured the plants around them that they wouldn’t be washed away.We often focus on how our love for God and devotion to His word strengthens us and makes us able to weather the storms that come. But rarely do we look and see how our strong roots serve another purpose. Yes, because we pray and study, we will yield the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, gentleness and kindness. But more than that, we will help serve as an anchor and lifeline for those whose roots do not run as deep. Those young saplings who would be washed away in the torrential rains if not for our steadying strength.

The mighty oak knows its place. With arms outstretched it worships God with every breath and breeze, but in every storm it holds the soil and protects the smallest seed.

The blessing of God’s presence is wonderful! The gift of His Spirit a delight! But, don’t be so focused on the blessing you receive while growing in the Lord that you forget to reach out. Grab hold and rescue those around you who are being washed away by a summer storm.