Did Not Our Hearts Burn Within Us?, Luke 24:32

Easter is here, the third day after the crucifixion of Jesus and the first day of a new week, and some see it as nothing spectacular. There are no earthquakes, no thunder in the skies, and no lightning, but in fact the most glorious thing has happened; Jesus has risen from the grave and He has defeated death (the last enemy of man). If I were there I would have started a major celebration in and around Jerusalem. I would have made sure that every musical instrument was being played in the streets, palm and olive branches waving in the sky as far as the eye could see, and continuously have clapping, singing, and dancing for at least seven days. How sad that there was no celebration and none of these activities took place, but the major event did happen and every human being now has a reason for joy and hope for everlasting life.

The first day of the week began in a silent chaos for the followers of Jesus, and especially the disciples. In the Gospel of Matthew, only Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulcher to find out what was going on. The Gospel of Mark reports that the other Mary is the mother of James. It also adds Salome as a third woman who went to the tomb of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke, however, adds Joanna and other women that went to the tomb. The Gospel of John mentions only Mary Magdalene as the one who went to the tomb while it was dark. I am not trying to show a contradiction or inaccuracy in the story, in fact all four Gospels report that Mary Magdalene was the leader of the group. How more accurate can any story be. But what I am surprised at is the hushed activities that were taking place behind the scenes. Imagine the media coverage that would take place today…, or would it? How busy CNN and the other major news networks would be carrying the event. The truth of the matter is that we are experiencing a similar coverage in the media and probably for the same reasons. As a matter of fact, not much has changed since the first Easter. The religious leadership of the day bought the silence of the eyewitnesses and encouraged them to tell other stories. For the last weeks I have heard a lot about the Di Vinci code and the story of Judas, both imaginative and untrue. The reason I say this is from what God Almighty has revealed to me, personally, in the last forty-five years. We should be celebrating none stop. There is hope for mankind, and we have a born again president in the White House who is considered the most powerful man alive.

In spite of the deafening silence concerning the resurrection, there was something important taking place on the road to Emmaus. There were two men aimlessly walking with a lot of discouragement in their minds and hearts. They said they had hoped that this man Jesus would change their lives for the better, but three days before He was killed on the cross and nothing new had happened. Jesus joins them in their walk but they did not recognize him. So they shared with Him their frustrations and sadness, but Jesus begins to speak to them and reminds them of what they should have known about Him all along. They must have intently listened to every word He uttered, but still did not know that it was He who was occupying their minds. Jesus never brags about who He is and does not impose Himself on anyone. After they arrived and had a meal together they began to recognize Him. They said to each other; “did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the way.” He is no different today; my heart burns within me when I hear Him say He loves me, and that He has plans for my life. Easter is one of those times when we hear His voice of love, compassion and care for each of us. Thank You Christ for the joy that Easter brings.