Worship Service – April 26, 2020

Our Scripture this week comes from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 24:13-32.

 

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” 18 They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked. 20 “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 in addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but did not find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?

 

Heart Burn !!!

My message this week I have titled it “Heartburn.” Like many of you I have experienced this more often than I would like.

Recently I had a conversation with a man who asked me,” How do you know when God is speaking to you?”  Did I hear an actual voice? Was it only when I prayed? I wished that I had read him this scripture.

I wished I had told him that it was like heartburn. You know, when you go to eat something you should not, you are later reminded with “Heart Burn”! Or when you have a feeling you should do something, and do it, then later remember that feeling. That is known, (as the two on the road), called it “Heart Burning.”

I am reminded of a story I would like to share with you.

There was once a little boy who decided he wanted to find God. He knew it would probably be a long trip, so he decided to pack a lunch, 4 packs of Twinkies and two cans of root beer.

He set out on his journey and went a few blocks until he came to a park. On one of the park benches sat an old woman looking at the pigeons.

The little boy sat down beside her and watched the pigeons too. When he grew hungry, he pulled out some Twinkies. As he ate, he noticed the woman watching him, so he offered her one. She accepted it gratefully and smiled at him. He thought she had the most beautiful smile in the world. Wanting to see it again, he opened a can of root beer and offered her the other one. Once again, she smiled that beautiful smile.

For a long time, the two sat on that park bench eating Twinkies, drinking root beer, smiling at each other, and watching the pigeons. Neither said a word. Finally, the little boy realized that it was getting late and he needed to go home. He started to leave, took a few steps, turned back, and gave the woman a big hug. Her smile was brighter than ever before.

When he arrived home, his mother noticed that he was happy, but strangely quiet. “What did you do today?” she asked. “Oh, I had lunch in the park with God,” he said. Before his mother could reply, he added, “You know, she has the most beautiful smile in the world.”

Meanwhile, the old woman left the park and returned to her home. Her son noticed something different about her. ‘What did you do today, Mom?’ he asked. ‘Oh, I ate Twinkies and drank root beer in the park with God.” And before her son could say anything at all, she added, “You know, God’s a lot younger than I imagined.”

Like in our story if we want to hear God speaking to us, we must seek him, as a little boy did.

Prepare for a long trip, and be willing to share, or like the old woman patiently waiting, surrounding ourselves and enjoying the moments he has given to us.

 The two on the road to Emmaus, the scripture tells us, they were looking to understand what God‘s plan was, as they discussed what had happened to Jesus in Jerusalem. It must have given them “heartburn “knowing what they had seen was wrong. Heartbroken and then taken off guard, they were willing to share this moment with a stranger. They told him of Jesus and what had happened. Shared with him their hopes, invited him to stay and shared a meal. Their “heartburn” turned into “Heart Burning!” They found what they were looking for. For God was to speak to them.

We can all find God when we seek him. It may be by patiently waiting, it may be in a smile, or it may be as we share with what we have.

He will turn-your “heart burn “of everyday life to “Heart Burning!”

Seek, share, and pray. God is speaking to you. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

So, as you head out this week, looking to find God, trying to change your “heartburn “into “Heart Burning,” know that he is with you always.

Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They will be with you forever and ever. Amen.

In His service,

Pastor Joe

Listen to Audio Sermon 20200426

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