Have you been uninformed about events in your area? Have you marveled at someone else who was not aware of something significant that happened? Did you explain to them what they had missed? Were you fully aware of the event or did you misinterpret the significance?
Our world has shrunk over the past three decades. With the advent of the internet and 24-hour news channels, we can research and stay informed of major events all around the world. Yet, there may be times when we miss something of significance in our own city.
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem a week before His crucifixion had the entire city disturbed in one way or another. For those who were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, they were celebrating and shouting for joy. For those who were threatened by the idea of a new king coming to power and the possibility of their control would be stripped from them, they were anxious and determined to not allow Him to take the throne.
Jesus’ close followers enjoyed the moment but were very disappointed when He died on the cross. Their visions of a renewed and rejuvenated Israel went down the drain on that Friday. That is what Cleopas and his friend were telling Jesus when they encountered Him on the road to Emmaus. But Jesus was about to enlighten them.
There may be times we misinterpret what we see or experience. Often, that is due to our lack of knowledge. We see things from a distance or only superficially. To more thoroughly understand what is going on, we need to look behind the curtains to know the why. Rather than jumping to a negative or downtrodden conclusion, we should dig deeper to both understand and perhaps see the positive that will come.
I pray we all seek to know the why. I pray we dig deeper to better understand. I pray each one of us ask God to reveal to us his plan and the good that will come from the events we experience. Dig deeper. Do your research. Seek to understand. Ask God to reveal his plan. Ask God to reveal the good that is coming.
Luke 24:18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”
Marty Pressey 