Just Because

Cleopas and his companion finally neared Emmaus (Luke 24: 28-35). The traveler that joined them on the road was quite an unusual Bible expositor. Along the way, he opened up their understanding to the Scriptures concerning the redemptive ministry of the Messiah.  Issues were clearer; concerns about Jesus had been better addressed and many doubts were alleviated.

The men were planning to lodge for the night in Emmaus, but their new friend “made as though he would go further”. We find similar language recorded in Mark 6: 45-52 when the disciples were rowing hard in their own strength against a storm. Jesus drew near, walking on top of the very waters that threatened to drown them. He acted, though, as if to walk on by. The disciples were so blinded by their fears that they didn’t recognize help had arrived. Instead, the Bible says they “were troubled” at what they saw.

Cleopas and his friend didn’t readily detect the presence of their Lord, either.

As I was reading this Scripture today, I was struck by how many times Jesus has drawn near on my faith travels—answering prayers, granting peace in so many situations. Yet, because I tend to be centered on telling Him what I need and getting relief, well…I’m embarrassed to say that just getting it off my chest is often enough, followed by the usual “Thanks for listening; hope you move soon” regards.

We can so easily lapse into dry principles of prayer that dull our vision. We lose sight that fellowship with God is not a creed, but conversation on an intimate level.

The two disciples, whose former priority had been getting answers, now strangely longed for fellowship with their new friend—nothing else.  In fact, they constrained him to stay for the evening.  John Gill’s commentary explains the full meaning of the word:

[But they constrained him, etc.] The Arabic version renders it, they held him by force: but the meaning is not, that they laid hands on him, and held him in a forcible manner against his will; but they were very urgent and importunate with him, that he would stay with them; they would take no denial. The sense is better given in the Persic version: the disciples with importunity said unto him; they were so pressing with arguments, that he could not withstand them: saying, abide with us.

I am trying to recall the last time I urged Jesus to tarry…just because I enjoyed His presence and wanted to know Him better.  I realize He never leaves or forsakes us, but I’m talking about those times when He makes His presence known in irresistible, breathless ways.

Am I content to spout out my needs and routinely thank Him before I step into my dwelling places of the day without another thought? Or have I become so intoxicated by His extravagant love that I won’t be denied this worship? Gone is the agenda; all that remains is my burning heart.

Jesus honored Cleopas and his friend by tarrying with them for a time of fellowship. When the bread was passed, Jesus “blessed it, broke, and gave it to them” (verse 30). Something was familiar to the disciples. They had seen bread handled in the same manner by... Wait! Could it be?

Next, the Scriptures tell us at that very moment their eyes were opened as to Who had been with them all along. Then, Jesus vanished from their sight.

I believe the Holy Spirit wanted Luke to include this story in His account in order to teach us that we can choose to be content with either information or intimacy, answers or abiding. While I am truly thankful that the Lord, who is easy to be entreated, desires to hear and grant my petitions, the greater treasure is in fellowship.  Those “Just Because I Love You” times that won’t settle for anything less than the sense and glory of His intimate presence.

^“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Indeed, God answers the prayers of those in covenant with Christ; He faithfully reveals to us our paths. But is that all we want? Do we want the pleasures from His hand or the fullness of joy that comes from His presence? We can have both; however, shouldn’t we honor Him by choosing the best part first?

Interestingly, Cleopas and friend rose up that same hour to go back to Jerusalem.  Perhaps that’s why Jesus vanished so quickly. Emmaus was not where these two disciples needed to be. They were witnesses of the Resurrected Christ. They had seen the Lord and were led back to proclaim the Good News in the very place that first brought them such blinding confusion and doubts!

Tarrying times with Jesus will do that, you know. Time with Him in nothing but worship and adoration can turn you around. It can get your going in the right direction and send you back to the source of your fears with confidence.

Our two travelers met up with the other disciples and reported what happened on the road to Emmaus. Moreover, as they were speaking, Jesus appeared to them again—this time without any urging. (verse 36).

That’s another thing about spending “Just Because” times with Jesus. The initiative to seek intimate fellowship with Jesus may begin with you, but you’ll find Him rewarding you with more of His own “Just Because” moments.  Much to your delight and surprise, you’ll discover that His desire to spend time adoring you far exceeds what you could ever imagine or grasp!