Scripture reading: Romans 8:9–11

The Other Easter Miracle

Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:19)

 

Easter is about two miracles, not just one. The first (and most important) miracle relates to what God did in Jesus by raising him from the dead.  The second miracle relates to what God wants to do in you because of what he did in him!

On the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), two disciples were headed home. Things had been tough lately. Life hadn’t turned out like they had expected. God? He was absent when they needed him most. They had put all their faith, hope and love in Jesus. But now he was dead. Dead Messiahs leave dejected disciples. That morning their lives were characterized by:

,. Depression. They had lost everything. Like a deflated balloon, they could do little more than crumple on the ground in defeat. Their depression was evident on their downcast faces. (v. 17)

,. Despair. Their dreams had been shattered. They had trusted in God. But he had let them down. We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel (v. 21). “Alas,” they thought. “We know better than that now.”

,. Confusion. And now they’ve heard reports from women claiming the tomb is empty and his body gone. But you know women! They often get their facts wrong. This can’t be true. Can it? (vv. 21–24)

Do these characteristics describe you this morning? Has life been hard? Perhaps you’ve trusted in God; you really have. But God just hasn’t performed like you thought he would. Joining these two losers on the Emmaus Road sounds almost appealing. Misery loves company. Like them, you’d like to pack your bags, call it quits, and go home. Maybe tomorrow you’ll look for another Messiah. This Jesus just didn’t deliver!

Friend, on Resurrection Morning, Christ longs to do a miracle in your heart. As the Risen Lord meets you in worship, allow his Spirit to do in you what he did for those two discouraged disciples so long ago. Give him permission:

,. To open your eyes. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him. (v. 31)

,. To grant you understanding. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (v. 27)

,. To set your heart on fire. Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? (v. 32)

,. To send you forth with world-changing news. They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem . . . saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen.” (vv. 33–34)

 

True religion is a union of the soul with God, a real participation in the divine nature

. . . it is Christ formed within us.—Henry Scougal

 

point to ponder • The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living inside you!

prayer focus • Someone who, during this Easter season, is in the pit of depression.