When All Hope Appears Gone

When their brother fell ill, his two sisters hoped that he would help. Hours and days passed. All hope appeared to be lost when their brother eventually breathed his last. Their brother dead, they buried him and some days later this great teacher they had hoped in turned up. Moved with compassion, this man brought hope when it appeared to have died by bringing him back to life. There are other stories of lost situations miraculously recovered. These say one thing – however dim the glimmer, however overwhelming the darkness, the smallest light says where there is life there is hope.

So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." (John 11:41-43)

Safe Journey

Shalom

Heart-Warmers

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?" (Luke 24:32)

The conversation on the road to Emmaus must have been one of the most fascinating road trips in history. There’s something about a good chat that’s like a good wine or a good bath. There’s something about it that leaves us feeling better, more whole, stirred and provoked to better things as a result of it. It works a treat in changing what and how we do and did things. It is good to talk, so here’s to those conversations that leave you with hearts warmed and a smile in the soul!

In this series on the power of words there can be no doubting that the result of the conversation not only illuminated but empowered people to return immediately to the community and proclaim good news of new life and hope in a risen Saviour. Somehow it seems as though through the day we’re bombarded with loads of words that would pour water on life – but the reality of a risen Saviour and the new life we can have in Him has to put everything in perspective. Even and perhaps especially among Christians remembering this should inform the conversations we have among ourselves in the hope that it will influence conversations we have with others.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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