WALKING HUMBLY IN GOOD COMPANY

Imagine yourself as one of the two disciples on that first, post resurrection Sunday morning.  Put yourself in the story.  You’re on your way from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  You were a disciple.  You followed Christ for three years.  He and the other disciples were the company you kept all that time.  Now your following is over.  You are walking to Emmaus with a friend, another disciple and talking about the events of the last few days, the arrest of Jesus, the trial, the crucifixion, burial, and now the empty tomb.  As you walk, you’re both sad and confused.  How is it possible?  Jesus the Messiah is dead.  The mind-blowing change you hoped for Israel just didn’t happen.  The oppressive rule of Rome will continue. 

You don’t realize that everything has changed.  While you walk, your eyes are about to be opened like the man blinded from birth that Jesus healed.  Your preconceived notions about the Messiah are about to be washed away like the mud from the blind beggars eyes.  You’re soon about to see all of life differently. Then it begins.  As he comes along side, your worldview and way of life is forever altered, reconstructed, transformed.  Beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus explains what is said in the Scriptures concerning himself.  Jesus totally renovates your mind, your perspective, your worldview, your understanding of the Kingdom and his work as your Messiah.  He just does that.  By the end of the day you make a remarkable discovery.  You realize your idea of him was all wrong.   At the dinner table, when Jesus simply breaks the bread, your life is dramatically changed.  You suddenly realize that this stranger is someone you’ve known, but misunderstood for years.  It is a flashbulb, life-changing moment.  You rediscover the risen Christ.  It is Jesus, the Messiah, the living, life giving Christ. 

Looking back, you realize that along the way you encountered him in a deeper, more intimate, and possibly in a more disturbing way.  You remember how along the way your ideas changed and your heart warmed.  Then it became like a blazing fire.   At the same time you were humbled by his presence and by the magnitude and implications of your discovery.  You realize you will never be the same.  Now it is clear.  In the company you kept all long the way, you walked humbly with God! 

Just as he is the Bread of Life, broken for us, we must be Christ's broken bread for others. . .

My life must be Christ's broken bread, 

My love his outpoured wine,

A cup o'er filled, a table spread

Beneath his name and sign, 

That others souls refreshed and fed,

May share his life through mine.

Albert Orsborn (1888-19670)

Love mercy.  Do justly.  Humbly keep company with Jesus.

Micah 6:8