The day after his resurrection, Jesus said to a group of distressed followers, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27
Lord Jesus, I easily identify with the “slow-hearted” ones on the road to Emmaus. You were alive and they didn’t realize it. I know you’re alive, yet often think and live like you’re still in your tomb and not on your throne. Ugh, egad, drat it! Bring fresh fire in my heart and the hearts of my praying friends. Give us “redemptive heartburn” like you gave the Emmaus road gang. (Lk.24:32). We will never over-love you, Jesus—never be over amazed by your grace or too astonished by your beauty.
Show us yourself everywhere in the Bible. Jesus, you are the meaning and magnificence of every portion of Scripture—the emphatic “Yes!” to every promise God made. Show us yourself everywhere in creation—speak to us through the things you have made, Jesus. Let us hear, “Heaven and nature sing, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.” (Joy to the World). Hallelujah!
And show us ourselves in our union with you, Jesus—for you are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30)—our reason for being, our deepest joy, and our very life (Phil.1:21). Lastly, show us yourself right now, Jesus—joyfully enthroned, ruling over earth’s kings, working in all things for our good, and passionately making all things new.
You’re not anxious; you’re God. You don’t “try” to do anything; you do everything you, Abba, and the Spirit planned before the world began (Jn.17:5). Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.