Monday, January 24, 2011

God guides us to figure things out!

Luke 24

I remember studying for tests in college. I had two general methods, one was to cram and just learn the vital information to get through the test and the other was to figure out the “hows” and “whys” so that I could give application to what I was learning. The cramming method got me through the test and generally a decent grade on the exam; however, the figuring out the “hows” and “whys” enabled me to grasp the concepts and hold onto them. There are concepts, (some useless now) I understand today because of learning them over thirty years ago. They are stuck in my head because I had to figure them out.

Jesus wanted the two men on the road to Emmaus to really get it! I believe He purposely hid Himself from His uncle Cleopas and the other disciple because He was establishing a teaching moment. He wanted them to figure out the “hows” and “whys” so they would really get it. They were so depressed and disappointed. They had viewed Jesus as the Messiah but then doubt came into their hearts when they saw him crucified (they were describing Jesus as a prophet rather than the Messiah). Rather than simply revealing Himself, He went through a study of the Messiah for them so they would have it securely, line upon line, in their hearts, who Jesus is! When He broke bread with them, they connected the dots and all of a sudden it was real and unshakable. They had the courage, even though it was night, to travel the road to tell the disciples Jesus was alive and to explain it to them line upon line. The Lord is always about the business of speaking to us in the best way we can understand it.

The Lord is always there! He will never leave us or turn His back on us. Some times He does guide us through an understanding of things so we will really grasp them. It is an “Ah Ha” moment, when the light bulb goes on and we see the light. When He has guided us through it, then we really get it, it sticks.

What are you being “guided” through right now? Proverbs says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, don’t lean on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all of your ways and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6

Their own understanding caused them to see Jesus as a Prophet; their ultimate acknowledgment caused them to see Him as Lord and Messiah! In your difficulty, how are you seeing Jesus today? Let Him be Lord over every situation. Trust Him that He will guide you through whatever you must do. He will make your path straight!

Tomorrow - Acts 1

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