But We Had Hoped...

“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… ‘but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem…’” Luke 24:15, 21

My heart is so heavy for these two as they walked on the road to Emmaus after the death of Jesus. They knew the spiritual climate of their region and had been hopeful that Christ had come to redeem Israel but in their hearts it was not to be. Their vision only included what their earthly eyes could see although they had certainly been taught the Scriptures, foretelling the crucifixion of Jesus and resurrection of Christ. Their hope had been replaced with only what their earthly eyes could see.

This same scene can be found today duplicated in every city, state and country in the world. People are constantly talking about their despair, their dashed hopes and their inability to see any deliverance on the horizon. On some days you can probably eavesdrop in my own home and witness my attitude of discouragement… ‘But I had hoped…’

Our unbelief and discouragement will block the daily recognition of Christ walking along side us. Our self-focus will escalate the things we see with our physical eyes and distort the things we should see with our spiritual eyes. Jesus Christ is walking right beside us whether we recognize Him or not and is the One who will redeem!

These are spiritual truths that we can tuck away in our backpacks no matter where our journey takes us. “…because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6

We don’t have to hope for we can know. Remember that hope without faith is just a wish!