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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #419 February 19, 2002 A Walk in the Forest The sky was the grey colour of death. The mist cast an uninviting pallor on everything as I walked through the West Coast rainforest. The thick undercarpet of ferns and moss prevented even my steps from making a sound. I could have been a thousand miles from anyone or anything alive instead of a hundred feet from the nearest sidewalk. Everything was silent, dull and dreary. The quiet and dampness were almost overwhelming in their bleakness. Without warning, the sun broke through the clouds. The mist burned off and in the distance a bird began to sing. Instead of grey, I began to see the rich greens of the ferns, trees and mosses all around me. The depressive sight had new life and vigour. I felt as if the weight of a thousand lifetimes had been lifted from my shoulders. I imagine the disciples and other after the crucifixion of Jesus. Their world has been shattered, their hoped for Messiah has died. It was far bleaker seeming than even my forest walk that morning. Suddenly, without warning He reappears -- alive! Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. Luke 24:13-35 NIV Are you walking through a dark and dreary place? Rejoice because He is alive! Until next time, may your heart be filled with the joy of knowing our God is alive and well. Hallelu Yah Kevin Do you know this Jesus who died for you and was born again? If not, email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Him is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Don’t wait any longer. Take the weight off your shoulders today. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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