Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-27 Have any of you been involved in the Boy or Girl Scouts of America? Of course we know the famed motto of the Boy Scouts and that is, "Be Prepared." How often have we gone through life not following that advice only to wish we had.
When we come to a transition in life, its kinda like an intersection on a roadway. We know the pathway to go, now its time to survey the way ahead and make sure we have what's needed to then go ahead. The image at left depicts the men on the Emmaus road, who were disheartened at the event of the Savior's death. They were trodding down a road feeling rejected, sorrowful, inwardly beaten, and disillusioned. We have all felt this way at some point of time, maybe you are right now. Thus we all come to a new pathway to take. How we go about it says largely how we prepare before we travel it.
Let's talk a minute about the need for preparation. What do we mean by this? I'll never forget one time I was an assistant Boy Scout leader and our cub scouts were on a hike. Well, boys you know like to romp around, not always watching where they are going and some of them stomped unknowingly on a hornets nest. Imagine the next few minutes...angry hornets bent on revenge defending their domicile, crying little boys smarting over the whelps left on them, and a frenzy of excitement over the whole matter. The bad thing was, none of the dads on the trip carried any sort of first aid. In my scout backpack (which ironically I had a Native American medicine symbol sewed on it) had only a tube of anti-biotic cream to spread on the wounds. Fortunately no one fell valiantly on the trail, but the point was that we had gone unprepared and it cost us.
The men on the road to Emmaus who had triumphantly been with Jesus a few days before had not been prepared to face what had now occurred...the death of the Savior. Unbeknown st to them, the Resurrected Jesus shows up. The passage in Luke tells us how the men explain to Jesus all that had happened and was assured this stranger was totally stupid as He had not heard what had happened! Jesus saw their distress and knew that what had happened to them came as a result of the unprepared hearts. On the way to Emmaus the Master took time to explain to them the whole plan of the Messiah, and to assure them that what had happened was not only necessary, but on time and as it should be just as the prophets said. If we are to face what lies ahead in the road ahead, we NEED to be grounded in God's truths, so that we don't lose confidence in Him. Just as food is vital to our existence, so we need God's word to nourish us and help us stand firm like a boulder in a rushing river.
The second step in preparation is to survey what lies ahead. The pathways of this life lay strewn with problems, heartaches, temptations, storms, distresses, etc. Not a pleasant picture to envision. In fact this whole life is a fierce raging battle that you and I as believer's are deeply engaged in. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15 to walk circumspectly, or plainly, to be always looking all around you on guard. It is foolish to stroll through life so carefree that we ignore danger or pretend it does not exist. I am not saying that we should shake in fear but to be wise enough to know we need God's help to navigate life in the bad times as well as the good.
Lastly, preparing for the road ahead needs a fresh encounter with God. The two men walking with Jesus did not know it was Jesus until they invited Him to their house. The Master broke bread with them and instantly it was revealed to the men who He was. If we are to move forward, our eyes need to be open and are hearts receptive to His presence. We do this by
- confessing any sin that pervades our life
- having a desire to be led by Him and not our own strengths
- studying His Word and asking for His help in prayer
- praising Him for His goodness and faithfulness
It's so good to know that He is on our side, but its so reassuring when we have done for us an act that can only be attributed to God. Perhaps such an act will be one of deliverance from some trial, or perhaps it will be just the reassuring still small voice in your heart, but the point is that God will show Himself to us as we serve Him and step in a new pathway, or perhaps regrouping in a respite on the same pathway we have been walking.
Are our hearts and lives prepared for the road ahead?
Father, help us to look to you as our source of strength. Help us O God not to go off on some pathway of life without having your Word and your Spirit prepared in our hearts. If we trust in ourselves, our failure is eminent. Help us to be wise enough to see You as all sufficient and willing to guide us. Protect us Lord from the snares of the Devil and lead us into pastures of blessings that we may bring more praise and thanksgivings due your name. Thank you for taking the time to help us and prepare us as we travel this road of life. Amen.if this post has been a blessing to you please forward it to a friend. Remember to keep your eyes upon the skies, Jesus is coming soon.
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