Easter: While the Words are Still on Our Lips

My mom found me weeping and instantly guessed what was on my mind. It’s been the topic of many a prayer, conversation, and ache of my heart for some time. No matter what else I may be doing or who I'm with, this concern is never far from my thoughts.

I suspect many of you deal with something similar – a loved one, health problem, relationship, or circumstance that is constantly on your heart. Someone or something that needs the Lord’s touch; that you are passionate about. If so, it’s probably the frequent topic of conversation between you and others, you and the Lord, or the constant patter in your head.

This is what I thought of the other day when I read Luke 24:36: “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” In this context, the disciples were talking with two of Jesus’ followers who had just had an encounter with the risen Lord. They didn’t recognize Him as they walked together on the road to Emmaus until He ate with them. The eleven disciples were grappling with this possibility, in fact, right in the middle of talking about “this” when Jesus showed up.

What a comfort it is to realize He still does the same thing for us. Right in the middle of voicing our heartaches, passions, our questions – our “this” – Jesus shows up to reassure us and give us peace. Our “this” may still be unresolved. Things may not be moving forward like we think they should. It might even look like there’s no hope left. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection didn’t answer everything for these believers, but His appearance gave them what they needed to face the future, day by day.

While the words are still on our lips, as we mull over current events and personal tragedies, Jesus’ words still speak to our deepest need. He says, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see.” As a twenty-first century disciple of Jesus, I found four personal messages for my “this.”

·         Let go of your anxiety and doubts; I’m here

·         Look at what I’ve done for you; the work is finished

·         I have come in person to show you my love

·         Touch me, see me; experience and know me in your heart

My “this” is still unresolved, and the subject of constant prayer, but because Jesus has shown himself to me, my risen Savior, I can have peace. And you can too.

God says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). 

#Easter #hopeforheartache #unansweredprayer #needinghope #Jesusshowedup #helpfortoubledhearts