We had another incredible worship experience this past Sunday!  I started a new series entitled: “Can You See Him?”  Life usually sets us on a path that’s almost robotic and we forget to see God in all things – the good, the tragic, or even the mundane.

As the two disciples traveled to Jerusalem, Christ came along side them and began walking and talking to them (Luke 24:13-35).  In fact, He was close, but they couldn’t see Him.  Additionally, He was there before they even realized they needed Him!  The two travelers were sad because their Messiah was crucified and what they had hoped for (a reigning king to overthrow Rome) didn’t happen as they wished.  The same could be said about us.  We live our lives framed by the reality of five words: “I had hope…but instead.”

1. “I had hoped I’d be married; but instead I’m still single.”
2. “I had hoped for a job after college; but instead there aren’t many viable options.”
3. “I had hoped we’d live together in retirement; but instead he became terminally ill.”

Although it’s comforting to know that God is with us before we need Him.  It’s equally comforting to know when He reveals Himself to us it’s not to inform, but to CONFIRM.  Jesus confirmed He was the resurrected Messiah when He sat at the table and broke the bread (Luke 9:13-17; 22:17-19; 24:28-31a).  The two disciples may not have recognized Jesus’ face, but, they recognized his actions!  How were they able to see?

INTIMACY

Intimacy with God allows you to notice the details – the small things others often miss.  As Jesus opend the Scriptures to them, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.  Becasue they could see they know themselves that Jesus was alive!

CAN YOU SEE HIM?

I invite you to join our congregation in studying this passage together.  The following questions were taken from Sunday’s outline and I invite you to “dig deeper” with us.  Please feel free to post your thoughts, comments, or questions and we learn together in community.

1. Sometimes it is easier to see God’s work as you reflect back over your life. Encourage others with an example of how you can see God at work through a challenge from the past.
2. The two men’s eyes were opened to see Jesus in their midst. Describe a time that you’ve had a spiritual awakening. How did God give you “eyes to see” something you missed before.
3. You (or someone you know) may be in the middle of a painful season where it is more difficult to see God at work. Take time to pray for each other and ask God to give you eyes to see His hand in your lives.