Burning Hearts

On Easter morning we usually stop reading or hearing the biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection right after the women run from the tomb to tell the disciples that it is empty and angels told them that He is alive. Peter and John run to see the empty tomb but have not seen Jesus yet. But a whole lot more happened later that day.

The guards assigned to watch the tomb received a large sum of money from the chief priests to change their report. (Matthew 28) Later that day we are told that two men were walking toward Emmaus, a town about 7 miles from Jerusalem. They were talking about everything that had happened when a stranger came alongside asking why they seemed so sad. They explained that Jesus the Nazarene was a powerful prophet in word and deed and they were hoping he was the one to redeem Israel. But the chief priests and rulers had sentenced him to death and had him crucified. Now it is the third day since all this took place and some women were at the tomb this morning and couldn’t find his body. They came back saying they saw angels and that Jesus is alive. It’s just crazy.

Luke 24:25–32 (LEB) Lexham English Bible And he said to them, “O foolish and slow in heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ suffer these things and enter into his glory?”And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things concerning himself in all the scriptures.And they drew near to the village where they were going, and he acted as though he was going farther.And they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening, and by this time the day is far spent.” And he went in to stay with them.And it happened that when he reclined at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks, and after breaking it, he gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he became invisible to them. And they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?” The men returned to Jerusalem to find the disciples and as they were speaking Jesus appeared before them all.

Can you imagine the excitement of these men? They witnessed a horrific crucifixion of the man they had great hopes in and now they realize he is alive just as he fortold. Amazing. Jesus’ words burned in their hearts the message of truth and hope. His words were profound yet personal. He walked ,talked and ate with them. Astonishing . {If you want to feel some of that excitement, I suggest you listen to Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris sing “I’ve Just Seen Jesus“, it is on you-tube. It raises the hair on my arm everytime! }

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language) Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

Hebrews 4:12 (LEB)
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, both joints and marrow, and able to judge the reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Dear Reader, when was the last time your heart burned with joy and excitement of knowing Jesus. Because He lives we have a hope and a future. God speaks to us in so many ways reminding us of His presence, protection and provision. While listening to a sermon do you hear God speaking to you personally? Have you experienced a “God moment” when you know He answered prayer or comforted your heart through someone else? Our hearts cannot burn without adding fuel. When you read the Bible do you hear and feel Him talking to your heart? God has given us His word to challenge us, comfort, encourage and instruct us. We all get sidetracked by busyness and worries of the day and don’t feel very close to God. Let us ask Him for burning hearts.