Kara Hackert 0:09
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's daily dose of the Word of God. It's Tuesday, April 16. We're in the season of Easter and we're walking the Emmaus road with Jesus. I'm Kara Hackert, and today we're reading from Luke 24, verses 28 through 29.
Kara Hackert 0:29
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
Kara Hackert 0:45
I was reading in a Bible Commentary that said that both Jesus and his disciples are following appropriate ancient customs here in this passage. The disciples are following the custom of hospitality as nightfalls and the stranger (Jesus) is in need of food and shelter. And Jesus, acting as though he was going further, is an act of politeness that draws out the strongly urged invitation from Cleopas. I find that very interesting. I like knowing the history and reasoning behind things. What I love is another explanation I read that said, "It goes beyond hospitality and politeness." Jesus shared the word and the truth of God with these disciples. And then he left room for them to decide what to do next. Would they let him go? Or invite him in? What about us? We hear his word and we know his truth. What are we going to do with it? Do we let it pass by? Or will we invite him in and let him work in our lives? Will we be open to more and place our faith in him? How will you choose?
Kara Hackert 2:04
Let's pray together. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word and your truth. Help us to choose you. Please come into our hearts and work in our lives, amen.