“Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him).” —Luke 24:13–16
The same day Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb and spoke with the angels, the same day Peter and John had a footrace to the tomb only to discover the grave clothes neatly folded and left behind, this same day we find two more of Jesus’ followers on the road to the village called Emmaus discussing the events that had taken place over the past few days. All of these events occur on the same day that Jesus rose from the dead and came out of the tomb! And in each one of these circumstances, we discover confusion and wonder mixed with discouragement and perhaps even despair and hopelessness. Talking among themselves, these first followers are seeking answers, comfort, and direction that only God can provide.
King David found himself in this same emotional turmoil. He and his troops had just returned from battle, only to discover their town had been raided and burned and all of the women in it, young and old alike, along with their sons and daughters, taken captive. And then the Bible tells us this:
“Then David and the men who were with him wept loudly until they could weep no more.” —1 Samuel 30:4
I would dare to say that confusion, disillusionment, despair, and hopelessness were the emotional state of David and his men. Always loyal to David, these men were now talking of stoning him due to the bitterness of their soul over the circumstances in their lives. We must remember when we are in severe emotional turmoil, chances are, like David’s men, our thinking will be clouded.
But instead of seeking answers or refuge or consolation from his counselors, David turns to the Lord for his strength!
“David was very upset, for the men were thinking of stoning him; each man grieved bitterly over his sons and daughters. But David drew strength from the Lord his God.” —1 Samuel 30:6
David was practicing one of his own life principles: Trust in God in all situations! We see in the Psalms his confidence in God’s deliverance:
“I sought the Lord’s help and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” —Psalm 34:4
“Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him!” —Psalm 34:8
Walking along the road to Emmaus, discussing the events that had recently transpired, these two followers of Jesus were trying to make some sense of it all. The accounts that had been brought to them regarding Jesus’ resurrection had seemed to them as sheer nonsense. Approaching them to walk along the road with them, they were absolutely kept from seeing Jesus’ true identity. For all they knew, He was just a stranger on His way to Emmaus as well. How like Jesus to come into their midst!
Become More
We see in Scripture and also in the lives of those around us people seeking counsel from someone other than God. While the Bible instructs us to seek counsel from others, this comes only after we have sought the Lord first. Counsel from others often brings confirmation of the Lord’s guidance.
The next time we are disillusioned or facing a crisis, instead of turning to those around us for guidance and consolation, let us turn to the first to the Lord.
“LORD, in the morning you will hear me; in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.” —Psalm 5:3
“Counsel and sound wisdom belong to me; I possess understanding and might.” —Proverbs 8:14
“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” —Deuteronomy 33:12
Further Reflections
“Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about.” —Jeremiah 33:3
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is an eternal God, the Creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary, there is no limit to his wisdom. He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. Even youths grow tired and weary, even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the LORD’s help find renewed strength. They will rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.” —Isaiah 40:28–31