"We had Hoped"
This phrase spoken by two disciples on the road to Emmaus following the events of Jesus arrest, death, and resurrection are echoed through our lives. They are words of pain, disappointment, bewilderment, and yearning. They are the words we say when our expectations have been dashed, our dreams are dead, and there’s nothing left to do but leave, defeated and done. "But we had hoped..." We can be grateful for the honest witness of this post-resurrection story, when hope is possible but not yet realized. We can be grateful that the road to Emmaus, of brokenness and failure, is a road we can meet Jesus on. A road that Jesus walks. A road that honours deep disappointment, whilst it holds out possibilities of revelation.
We are reminded that Jesus is not who we think he is, and not who I necessarily want him to be. Who is the would-be stranger on the road? How does he respond when all appears lost? What does he do for the weary and the defeated?
So how does Jesus respond to bring new Hope?
Quietly!
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Healing!
Following his unjust death, we may have expected vengeance, vindication or triumph against the perpetrators and non believers. Instead, he walks with two disciples away from the seat of action in Jerusalem. Not dramatic, or convincing with displays of power. He is so understated they fail to recognise him. A quiet encounter rather than dramatic theatrics we see so often in our media.
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What would space for a quiet encounter look like for you?
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Jesus invites them to tell their story. Though he knows, he wants them to tell it from their perspective, expressing their emotions of hopes dashed. They share their high expectations and the lows. They tell of their devastation, their confusion, loss, and uncertainty. He allows them time to articulate which is part of their healing. Then He reflects their story back to them but the story changes. In retelling, it becomes what it really is — something far bigger, deeper, older, wiser, and richer. Jesus seems to say “Here’s what you’re leaving out/missing,” Jesus puts their story into perspective, with its memory, history, and scriptures.
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
Luke 24:15-16
How wide is your perspective on events? Can you articulate a different perspective to your own - put yourself in another`s shoes?
Freedom!
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Small things!
He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Luke 24:30
On reaching Emmaus, Jesus gives the disciples the option to continue without him. In fact, he makes as if he’s leaving, placing them in a position where they have to be intentional and definitive about their desire regarding him. Their hearts burned as hope re-kindled.
Jesus will not impose, overpower or coerce. He’ll make as if he’s moving on, giving space, time, and freedom to decide what I really want.
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Am I ready to get off the road of my failures and defeats?
Do I desire to go deeper?
Our emotional state can not only make us lose perspective but also fail to see what is around us. Sometimes it is difficult to trust in the transformative power of small things like the bread, wine, and meal shared. In Communion, the common place reveals the divine. God is present in the rituals and ordinary things of life.
Are you receptive to be challenged to reframe the story of your day in the light of God's inexplicable provision and love.
To seek and find Him in a conversation, an action, in your ordinary day?
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Allow your "Had Hoped" turn into nourishing renewal.