E-votional - Encounter: Unrecognized
April 9, 2002
Verse:

"While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him."

Luke 24:15-16 (NRSV)

Thought:

   Clarity. One of the important qualities in a diamond, clarity describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections. How easily can you see through the diamond and see the diamond without any obstructions. Clarity is one of the reasons we seek glasses to see or even consider surgery for visual corrections. Clarity was something the two walking to Emmaus did not have. Focusing on what had happened got in the way of what was happening right then, in the here and now.

   Hear the Good News, God is with us, now, just as Christ was with the men walking to Emmaus. God wants us to listen for Him and for us to recognize His hand in our life, putting aside our selfish and self-interested mental wanderings. Sunday, as you know was day-light savings time. Church started right on time, well actually we gave it a couple of minutes, but we did not start communion until a little after noon. AS much as I would love to claim responsibility for this as a planned action, I can not. I just happened. One more person came in. One more person received communion. I ask this, how many people thought silently, "why can't we end on time?" Normally we wrap up at noon, but not on this day. It just did not happen. But you know what did happen? Blessing. The bread was broken, the cup poured out, all shared. Even that one more.

Prayer: 

   Gracious God, You reached out Your hand and took me in, I was one more. Let me recognize You that I might be able to reach out to just one more. Just one more. Just one more. And if I do not recognize Your presence, work and unfold Your Kingdom in spite of me. Clarity is what I ask for, that I might reach one more. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.