March 1, 2015 | Have you recognized Jesus' presence yet?

Dear All, welcome to 'The Nathan Report'. Today we will be learning about, "God is always with us".

Today is first Sunday of March 2015. Time at the house of Lord is much important than the rituals.

Luke 24:13-35, "13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread."

This appearance of Jesus to the two disciples going to Emmaus, happened the same day that he rose from the dead. It well becomes the disciples of Christ to talk together of his death and resurrection; thus they may improve one another's knowledge, refresh one another's memory, and stir up each other's devout affections. And where but two together are well employed in work of that kind, he will come to them, and make a third. Those who seek Christ, shall find him: he will manifest himself to those that inquire after him; and give knowledge to those who use the helps for knowledge which they have. No matter how it was, but so it was, they did not know him; he so ordering it, that they might the more freely discourse with him. Christ's disciples are often sad and sorrowful, even when they have reason to rejoice; but through the weakness of their faith, they cannot take the comfort offered to them. Though Christ is entered into his state of exaltation, yet he notices the sorrows of his disciples, and is afflicted in their afflictions. Those are strangers in Jerusalem, that know not of the death and sufferings of Jesus. Those who have the knowledge of Christ crucified, should seek to spread that knowledge. Our Lord Jesus reproved them for the weakness of their faith in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Did we know more of the Divine counsels as far as they are made known in the Scriptures, we should not be subject to the perplexities we often entangle ourselves in. He shows them that the sufferings of Christ were really the appointed way to his glory; but the cross of Christ was that to which they could not reconcile themselves. Beginning at Moses, the first inspired writer of the Old Testament, Jesus expounded to them the things concerning himself. There are many passages throughout all the Scriptures concerning Christ, which it is of great advantage to put together. We cannot go far in any part, but we meet with something that has reference to Christ, some prophecy, some promise, some prayer, some type or other. A golden thread of gospel grace runs through the whole web of the Old Testament. Christ is the best expositor of Scripture; and even after his resurrection, he led people to know the mystery concerning himself, not by advancing new notions, but by showing how the Scripture was fulfilled, and turning them to the earnest study of it.

Whenever you fast, it should not be a ritual. During this time we need to be on the Guard of our God and stand in the presence of Miracle maker. When you take communion, it should not be a ritual or a tradition but we need to understand that we are present with the Lord our God. 

All people who were present there had faith and hope in Jesus who believed that Jesus is God. Now when the Passover ended, the messiah was crucified and people were sad who already had believed that Jesus is God. 

These two people were discussing and feeling discouraged because they were heartbroken. They had lost hope because Jesus was crucified.

Jesus walks with us all the time. Whether we are happy or sad. Remember God is always with us. 

There were sadness on their face. At times we smile and we laugh even though we are troubled. But God knows what's inside us.  Likewise these two people thought that who is this stranger. 

Jesus says, "come to me"! In Him all things are possible. 

Many people were sad because the prophet of Nazareth had died. 

At times we do not do work with heart because we think God is nowhere. But, God is always on work. There are so many doubts in the world, but, do not doubt on God. 

These two men did not realised that they were walking with God. They thought Jesus died but totally unaware that God is walking with this. 

Sometimes the big picture of God is behind comprehension. How many times problems and sickness have consumed us that we do not see light at the end of the tunnel. This morning, we would like to encourage you to put your trust in God. 

Bible says, He is same yesterday today and tomorrow! 

Sometimes we see disappoints in our lives. At times our prayers aren't answered and we ask Lord, "What is happening?" Sometimes we walk through the road of discouragement. Like these two men, they were also walking, but Jesus was walking with thin. They failed to recognize Him. No matter how bad the situation is, remember that Jesus is walking with you and you are not alone. 

If He can walk with these two people on the road of discouragement, can't He walk with you? 

Many times we feel sorry for ourselves and tell people and at times we put our head on someone's shoulder and tell our troubled tales. In the reference above, this was same scenario.

We must believe what the word of God says. There are many people today who do not understand the word of God that is why there is so much confusion today. People have twisted the word of God and come up with their own theology. 

The word of God, praise and worship should burnt in your heart. We do not want a simple tradition but we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Now these two friends have come for the supper and Jesus sat next to them at the table. Normally the owner prays but Jesus who was a mere stranger here or a guest offered the prayer. The eyes of these two men were opened. 

The first event after the death of Christ was the communion with these two people. Communion is not a ritual but sharing the time in the presence of God. 

Are you back in fear or doubt today in your life? Are you troubled because your dreams are not fulfilled or maybe you think God hasn't fulfilled His promise?

Our God is the one who fulfills His promises. Many say, "promises are meant to be broken", but this is not the case when Jesus has taken control of our lives. We must believe and exercise faith. When we are not disappointed we do not pray, but pray when troubled. Friends, pray and ask Lord, "Speak to me. Show me your way and your will." God will answer your prayers. 

Before the death He took bread and after death He did the same. It was the time of the night when these two men realize that Jesus was walking with them, all their fears were gone and were filled with hope. Not because of communion try took but because thy met Jesus. Fearlessly they left in the night to inform other disciples that, "Jesus is alive". 

Have you thought what will you do in your life? Think about it what matters? Good job? Good life partner? Good privileges? These two people were joyous not because they had privilege of nice meal or something else, but, Jesus was with them. 

The worst sinner of this world can also be saved. If you have not given your heart to Jesus, repent and seek forgiveness from Jesus. He will save you and fill joy in your lives. He will help you in the road of disappointment, trouble etc. The way Jesus was present on the road of Emmaus, He is always with you.

We hope you enjoyed today's sermon, see you next week.

God Bless!

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