In what ways can we be more aware of Christ's presence in our lives? A Missed Presence on the Emmaus Road “While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began to walk with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him… One of them, named Cleopas, replied, ‘Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?’” (Luke 24:15-18) Those disciples walked beside the risen Lord yet saw only a stranger. Their story mirrors our own moments of spiritual distraction. How do we keep from overlooking Him? --- Why We Often Overlook the Lord Today • Crowded minds: obligations, screens, and noise dull spiritual sensitivity. • Pain or disappointment: like Cleopas, sorrow can narrow our focus to loss rather than to the Lord who stands beside us. • Assumptions: expecting Jesus to appear only in “religious” settings, we miss Him in the ordinary. • Unbelief: a subtle refusal to trust His promise, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). --- Promises That Anchor Awareness • Hebrews 13:5 — “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.” • Psalm 139:7-10 — wherever we go, His hand upholds us. • John 14:16-17 — the Spirit “abides with you and will be in you.” • Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • Revelation 3:20 — He stands at the door and knocks, seeking daily fellowship. Let these assurances silence any thought that His nearness is rare or conditional. --- Simple Practices That Tune Our Hearts • Scripture immersion – Read slowly; linger where the Spirit nudges. – Memorize verses that declare His presence (e.g., Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9). • Unhurried prayer – Begin by acknowledging Him: “Lord, You are here.” – Practice brief, frequent pauses throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Worship and gratitude – Sing or speak praise aloud (Psalm 22:3). – Keep a running list of gifts you notice; thanksgiving opens spiritual eyes. • Obedient response – The disciples recognized Jesus when He broke bread (Luke 24:30-31). Act on the light you already have; obedience sharpens vision. • Fellowship – “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am among them” (Matthew 18:20). Shared stories of God’s faithfulness amplify awareness. • Serving others – In the hungry, thirsty, and lonely, we meet Him (Matthew 25:35-40). • Stillness and solitude – Elijah heard the “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). Set aside noise; invite silence so His voice is not drowned out. --- Living With Eyes Open Like Cleopas, we may begin the day unaware, but as Scripture is opened, hearts burn; as bread is shared, eyes are opened. Train your soul to see the familiar landscape of life—work, family, traffic, quiet evenings—as the very road where Jesus walks beside you. Recognize Him, celebrate Him, and let every step become fellowship with the risen Lord. |
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