First Sightings
"Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32
On Easter Sunday afternoon, two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. In a number of ways, their vision had failed them. Oh, their eyes were working just fine, but in their grief there were things they simply could not see. They were unable to comprehend why their Teacher and Master, Jesus of Nazareth, had been cruelly put to death. They considered the reports about Jesus’ resurrection to be mysterious rumors. And when a stranger began walking and talking with them, their eyes were “restrained” so that they did not recognize Jesus.
It was then that the stranger opened their eyes. “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have been present at that Bible class! When they reached their destination, the two disciples urged their fellow traveler to stay with them, and during the meal “their eyes were opened and they knew Him.” What joy, and what eager steps they took, as they hurried back to Jerusalem to share their news with the other disciples!
Please note carefully the exact moment when their eyes were opened. It was not when they recognized Jesus in person. No, it was on the way, when the friendly stranger opened their eyes through the powerful Word of God. “Did not our heart burn within us,” they said, “while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Your eyes have been opened in just the same way: “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.” (1 Pet. 1:8-9) Since the Holy Spirit has revealed this resurrection truth to you in God’s Word, you can be certain that “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:4).
Where wilt Thou go since night draws near,
O Jesus Christ, Thou Pilgrim dear?
Lord, make me happy, be my Guest,
And in my heart, oh, deign to rest. (The Lutheran Hymnal 197:1)