PostOakDave's Thoughts

Blessed Shinning Examples

July 14th, 2023

The responsive reading for 9 July 2023 came from Matthew 5: 1-16.

Today, the responsive reading is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The first part, where sentences begin with the word “Blessed”; is referred to as the Beatitudes.

The Sermon on the Mount is intended for disciples of Jesus. There were the original called 12, but also others not specifically called, and yet who chose to become Jesus’s followers. When we accept Jesus as our savior, we also become disciples; as we study and grow in love and desire to deepen our relationship with him.

Matthew 5:1 says, “Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.” From this verse, I decided to give some explanation of what it means to me. (Not Scriptural, but just my thoughts as a layman)

First, when Jesus saw the crowd he decided to go up the mountain, to gain separation between the disciples and the rest of the crowd. What Jesus was going to teach the disciples, was so important that he needed their full attention and closeness.

Second, Jesus sits down. In the time of Jesus’s ministry on earth, the teacher/preacher sat while the students/learners stood. It is possible to get more people closer to the speaker when the listeners are standing. In a time with no loudspeakers and amplifiers, this was important.

Third and lastly, and maybe most importantly; the disciples came to Jesus. All of us, if we are true disciples of Jesus, must come to him to learn and grow in his knowledge. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the head of the church. As the head of the church, Jesus provides his guidance. We come to him through Scripture, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

For Christians, the Beatitudes speak of a state of the heart and our inner being. Our relationship with Jesus must be deep enough to truly accept and feel that of which he speaks. I certainly still struggle with some of this, and have to continue to work on deepening my walk with Jesus.

For non-Christians, the Beatitudes make no sense. For instance, the meek will inherit the earth. Really? Today’s news and social media seem to scream out exactly the opposite. It is the loudest and most boisterous and self-serving, who seem to be in control.

Yet, meekness in this case, is before God; and our recognition that we are entirely dependent on him in every facet of our lives. We may have to be bold in our meek obedience to God. Meekly following God, in many cases, requires courage and boldness, equivalent to that of the mightiest conquerors. We may not conquer the earth, but the earth and all of creation is God’s. When we meekly follow God, we are heirs of his world.

In the section of our reading following the Beatitudes, as disciples of Jesus, we are called upon to be salt of the earth and shining lights in a world filled with darkness. How do we do this?

Through Bible Study, prayer, and listening to that inner voice of God, our conduct before others (the world), can be the example they need to see. Our Christian behavior and conduct can make us salt of the earth and shining lights guiding others to Jesus. This may not always be easy, and may require boldness as we meekly join the work God is doing around us.

Praying a blessed week for all my sisters and brothers in Jesus the Christ…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Inseparable Love of God

July 14th, 2023

The responsive reading for 2 July 2023 was taken from Psalm 30: 1-12 and Romans 8:31-32, 35, 37, 39.

Today, as we near Independence Day here in the United States, it seems that Christians and Christianity are under siege, by those who want to silence God’s word. Our responsive reading for today addresses adversity, in the lives of King David in the Old Testament, and the apostle Paul in the new Testament.

The responsive reading begins with David praising God for protecting him from enemies. David references being healed, so perhaps he has also been dealing with illness. As David has come through the adverse situations, he has remembered it is God’s love and protection that provided success.

David speaks of God’s anger lasting but a moment, and his loving kindness lasting a lifetime. When I read this initially, the very thought of God being angry with me, was very intimidating. I know there are times when I do things, and think thoughts that are displeasing to God. Sometimes I suffer the consequences of these mistakes.

But even in the midst of these consequences, I am comforted in knowing that God still loves me. Just like a child told not to touch a hot stove, who touches it anyway; the resulting consequence of a burnt finger, may be accompanied by a reminder from a loving parent to listen to warnings and instructions. The child may feel the parent is angry at him or her, but feels loved as mom or dad work to relieve the pain of the burn.

As we see and hear anger and hate from those who do not treasure an intimate loving relationship with God, we have to remember, our obedience to God’s word has consequences. Yes, we become the focus of their rage, BUT God still is in control and loves us even when we fear for our future.

In Psalm 30, David speaks of how his death at the hand of his enemies, would effectively end his voice and Godly leadership of the people of Israel. David wishes to continue to witness for God. He is not giving up, and neither must we as we continue to steadfastly face hate with love: love that is from God.

As I witness the disturbing signs of these troubling times, and people who hate what I, and Christians everywhere stand for; I have to remind myself that they too are created in God’s image. Even though they may hate him, he still loves them and wants them to return as his children, with the same love he has for you and me.

Just as David asks for God’s mercy and help, we are blessed to do the same. We faithfully move forward in faith, whether great or small, and when God gives us a victory over sin and Satan; we like David can rejoice and sing God’s praises. In our successes each day we must remember to give the glory to God, for it is only through him that we have success.

Finally the apostle Paul writes of how our almighty God, stands with us as we do his will. While it is true that we live in a world controlled by sin and the devil; neither is a match for the infinite power and love of our heavenly Father.

It can be intimidating standing up for God and our reason for hope through the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Like me, perhaps you have missed opportunities to witness for Jesus, because of fear. But our triune God loves us and forgives our weaknesses, and continues to call us to his service.

Even though at times we may feel lost, and with little hope amidst the hate and anger; we only have to remember, as Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us.” (Romans 6: 31b ESV)

Praying a blessed week and Independence Day for each of us…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Reconciled to Praise God

June 28th, 2023

Following is the commentary for the responsive reading on 18 June 2023. The responsive reading was taken from Romans 5:6-13 and Psalm 100:1-5.

Both the Epistle and Psalm selections of today’s responsive reading are on the liturgical calendar for this Sunday. The combination of reminder of God’s love for us and our salvation, and praise from Psalm 100; seemed very appropriate.

Paul speaks of how at the right time, Jesus came into the world and died for our sins, providing for our eternal salvation. To me this says that in God’s plan, Jesus came exactly as was Gods will. In other scripture we read of the salvation plan existing at or even before creation, based on God’s foreknowledge and foreordination. (Ephesians 1:3-5)

Paul uses the term reconciled to describe God’s plan for our salvation. Forgiveness is expected of all of us. While we may be forgiven, or forgive someone, for a wrong committed; we are not automatically reconciled. Reconciled means our relationship is restored to the extent that it existed before the wrong was committed.

For us reconciliation can be difficult and even impossible, depending on our commitment to restore the relationship. Reconciliation requires love, and sometimes lots of it. What Paul is speaking of is God’s incredible love for us, and that through the suffering and death of Jesus; we are reconciled to him.

This means that God, since he originally planed on an intimate love relationship with each of us; through Christ’s sacrifice has completely and perfectly restored it. We only have to accept this gift, and Jesus as our savior; willingly following him as he leads us to eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When we really contemplate this concept of forgiveness and reconciliation, it is nearly impossible to not make a joyful noise or song of praise to almighty God. Through our proxy, Adam, we are born in sin, and are eternally dead; except for God’s plan of salvation and reconciliation, through Jesus.

Our response is to worship the Lord with gladness. Perhaps gladness is not a strong enough word; and could be replaced with exuberance. Songs of praise tumble exuberantly from our lips, as we come to worship God.

The Psalmist David asserts that God is good; his steadfast love endures forever, as does his faithfulness to all generations. Truly he made us, and we are God’s children through adoption, as heirs with Jesus the Son of God.

Happy Father’s day, and may God bless and protect us all this week…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Divine Intervention

June 11th, 2023

Responsive reading for 21 June 2023, was taken from Acts 12: 1-13a;16b. Following is the associated commentary provided for the congregation.

Today’s responsive reading from the book of Acts, tells the story of how Peter was saved from prison and probably death. While the story details a miracle in the early church, it also teaches us something about prayer.

We have to stop and remember that even though Peter was arrested by Herod, with the likely intention to publicly execute him; God had other plans. After his arrest, Peter may have felt abandoned, and concerned for his life. The members of the early church certainly were concerned for Peter’s life.

Just as we often tend to do when facing impossible situations, the church members also turned to God in prayer. They realized that they were powerless to save Peter on their own. They, like us, needed Divine Intervention.

Peter was arrested prior to Passover, and so Herod could not win the favor of the Jews by killing him during this solemn holiday. During this time the early church members, aware of the situation, prayed fervently for God’s intervention. God had His plans for Peter, so at the right time, He answered the people’s prayers.

While today’s text does not indicate this, I feel the church members also likely prayed persistently. While it may be difficult, persistent and fervent prayer, pleases God, and if the prayers are in his will, he lovingly responds. In today’s reading he waited until just before the day that Peter was to be brought to his fate.

Even though the people prayed diligently for Peter; when their prayers were answered as they requested, it seems they did not believe. In James Chapter 5, we are reminded to pray in faith. This faith is based upon believing that God hears our prayers and answers them, as fits his plan and will.

In the reading for today, because God’s will was for Peter to still perform many more tasks for the early church, he performed what we would call a miracle. While a miraculous answer to prayer is wonderful, most times our prayers are answered in less spectacular ways.

Personally, there are times when I pray for certain situations, for myself and others, when it may seem the prayers are unanswered. I have to constantly remind myself that God has heard and is answering within his will and based on what is best for me.

I also have to remember that persistent prayer on my part will not change God’s plans or will for me. If it seems prayers are not answered, then it is time to change the focus. First I need to be sure that my standing with God is correct. Second, even if I feel I am in good standing with God I still need to ask him to bring me into the best alignment with his will.

As always, my sisters and brothers in Christ, I pray that God guide, protect, and bless us all this week…

© 2023 David Posival, All Rights Reserved.
Unashamed and Sound Teaching

June 7th, 2023

The responsive reading for 4 June 2023 was taken from II Timothy 1:5-14; and II Timothy 3:12-17. Below is the commentary provided with the reading.

Before he ascended, Jesus gave his disciples instructions to take the gospel message to the whole world. The objective of this great commission was, and still is, to make disciples of all nations and people. But what was to be the process for doing this?

The disciples had spent about three years with Jesus, while he taught and did the signs that only the Messiah could do. While they were largely uneducated, and often seemed to not grasp the significance of Jesus’s teachings; they were to become the foundation for the early church.

Jesus had instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they were given the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on them in a powerful way, forever changing them from followers to leaders. On their own they could accomplish little, but with the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit, they initiated an unstoppable force: the Christian church.

Throughout history and the persecution of Christians around the world, the salvation message still spreads through faithful and brave witnesses. Brave witnesses that are Spirit led and unashamed of Christ and his work to save us from sin, are God’s tools for continuing to make disciples of all nations.

In today’s responsive reading, we see the apostle Paul mentoring the younger Timothy in continuing to spread the Gospel of Christ’s salvation. It seems that Timothy, much like many of us, had become weary in diligently following the great commission. Personally, there are times when I question my witness for Christ, or rather the lack thereof, and the incumbent lack of success.

Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome. He likely knew that he was destined to die for the Lord, yet he saw that as gain, rather than loss. Just as Paul writes in Philippians Chapter 3, forgetting the past, but straining forward we are to run the race of life with determination.

This determination extends to our call to be witnesses for Jesus. As Christians, God calls us, just like Paul and his protege Timothy; to unashamedly proclaim the good news of salvation. We do not do this alone, nor on our own power; but with the guidance and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

The determination to do as Jesus calls us, is because we love Him. He died to take away our sins, we can do nothing less. As Jesus says in John 14: 15-17a “If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.”(CSB)

Paul warns Timothy that there will always be persecution. Yet, we know we are not alone to face the certain resistance and persecution from those who oppose Christ, because Jesus tells us in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” (CSB)

In verse 19b – 21, Jesus goes on to say, “Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in the Father and you are in me and I am in you. The One who hears my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” (CSB)

Through God’s Holy Spirit, Jesus does come to us, calling us to service, and strengthening us in adversity. Praying your week is Spirit filled with peace and joy…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved.
The Ten Commandments

June 7th, 2023

The responsive reading for 21 May 2023 was from Exodus 20: 1-17; and John 14:6. Following is the commentary that accompanied the responsive reading.

So, why the ten commandments as a responsive reading for this morning? This is Old Testament law, but I have salvation through Jesus: right?

In Matthew 5 Jesus says: “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For • I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19; HCSB)

Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount, where he was teaching his followers, about being true disciples. As his disciples, Jesus expects us to follow God’s original commands, as he gives us the strength to do so.

Jesus wants us to live by these commands and teach others to do likewise. It is not on our own power we do this, but is the result of our letting the Holy Spirit have greater control over our lives. Personally, I know this is much easier said than done. However, we cannot even partially succeed unless we try.

But, back to the importance of the ten commandments to Christians. In Matthew 28:19-20a, Jesus directs us to make disciples of all nations. He also tells us that we are to teach them to obey the commands that he has given to us.

We are called to be Christ’s witnesses to the world. How can we do that if we are no better than the rest of the world? This then is the reason Jesus calls us to continue to follow the law. It is not for our salvation, but the example we set by doing so may be the deciding factor that draws others to that same salvation.

Even though I have attended church much of my life, my witness and that of many other “Christians” in the church; has not been a shining success. I feel much of the decline of the Christian church stems from this poor witness.

It is not for us to point accusatory fingers at others, while living lives that differ so little from the rest of society. We lead people to Christ by living within the law of God, not like the pharisees, but by our steadfast example, coupled with love. We do not accomplish any of this on our own, but only as God’s Holy Spirit directs us.

Of course we do not have to take sacrifices to the synagogue, and have priests offer them for us, nor abide by the laws of the pharisees. Jesus our high priest paid the price for our sins, and we now abide in his grace.

Daily, I ask for God’s Holy Spirit to lead me into faithful witness, and doing God’s will; but my own wants and desires sometimes get in the way. Sin gets between us and God, and can weaken our witness, but we are still forgiven. As Paul says, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7: 25 NRSV)

I thank God that there have been faithful witnesses in my life, that to this day I remember and take inspiration from. My prayer this week is that we are guided by God’s Holy Spirit as witnesses for Christ, and filled with his peace and love…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Come and Learn

June 7th, 2023

The responsive reading for 14 May 2023 was taken from Acts 17:22-32a, 34a; and Matthew 11:28-30. Following is the commentary I provided with the responsive reading.

The primary part of the responsive reading today, follows the apostle Paul to the city of Athens. He had no plans to preach there, but was waiting for traveling companions. He walked through the city, which was filled with idols and shrines to the Greek gods. One of the idols was even dedicated to the “unknown god.”

Paul, just as we should also do, eagerly accepted an opportunity to spread the gospel story when it presented itself. Scripture tells us Paul was distressed with the idolatry of Athens, and confronted the local synagogue regarding the matter. After going to the local synagogue, and even confronting people in the marketplace (a common meeting place); Paul was called to speak to the Areopagus council.

Paul uses the idol to the unknown god to tell the people about the one true God of creation and His salvation plan for the world. The people there were skeptical of physical resurrection after death, and many did not believe Paul. But some did believe and became Christians. One believer mentioned in scripture was named Dionysius and was an important member of the council.

In this passage Paul reminds us that God is the creator, and as such does not need shrines, nor human help. God provides for us and not the other way around. However, God does call us to sometimes serve as His hands, feet, and voice to bring salvation to others, and demonstrate His love.

Paul is also telling the council that until this time they were living in ignorance of the true God. He may have overlooked the bad within them, but once they heard the gospel of the true God and the salvation plan, paid for through Christ’s sacrifice; they were no longer innocent. He called them to repentance.

The same holds true for us, in that, “While we still were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NRSV); once and for all providing the path for salvation from our sins. We have to turn away from our sins i.e. repent, trusting in Jesus as our Savior.

Paul also taught that since we are all God’s children, we should not think of God as an idol of gold, silver, or stone: modeled by human hands. As Dr. Henry Blackaby wrote in both Experiencing God and Hearing God’s Voice: God is a person, and wants a loving personal relationship with us and guides us in His will.

Paul states that all nations of the earth derive their origin from Adam, and God’s expectation is that we would search for him and even find Him. Then Paul concludes, “Though indeed He is not far from each one of us.” Indeed God is close in the person of Jesus and His Holy Spirit, and reaches out to us to join in His work, and a loving relationship with Him. We just have to take the yoke of Jesus upon us and learn from him.

Praying your Mother’s Day and this week are blessed with God’s provision…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved.
Living Stones Through Grace

May 7th, 2023

The responsive reading for today (7 May 2023) was taken from I Peter 2: 1-10, and Ephesians 2: 8-10. The commentary which appears below, was limited in scope, because of the size of the church bulletin. Please note that the apostle Peter was writing to Christians, people saved through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

We know this by the quotation from Psalm 34:8, which states: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Peter uses this in a conditional statement to the believers that they grow in their faith, if indeed they have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Following is the text of the commentary that coincided with the responsive reading, and appeared in the church bulletin.

Today’s responsive reading like the previous one, continues quoting from the apostle Peter. In the letter addressed to gentiles suffering persecution, and offering exhortations to continue in the faith; Peter refers to us becoming living stones through salvation from Jesus Christ.

In John 1:42, when Jesus meets Simon (Peter); He gives him the name Cephas. Cephas is Aramaic meaning “rock.” In Matthew 16:42, after correctly identifying Jesus as the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God”; Jesus acknowledged that God had revealed this to him. Jesus then tells him, “You are Peter (Petros – Greek for rock), and on this rock I will build my church” (HCSB). While the cornerstone of the Church is Jesus Christ, and its foundation is the Messiahship of Jesus; Peter (a living stone) was instrumental in its very beginning.

In today’s responsive reading Peter describes Jesus as a living stone. Old Testament Prophesy, in Isaiah 28:16, quoted in today’s reading; presents Jesus as a precious stone and cornerstone, and a sure foundation for believers. Peter goes on to indicate that as believers we too are like Jesus as living stones, making up His church.

As these living stones, our lives should reflect, the purity and strength of the Savior. We do this by ridding ourselves of things that detract from our witness for Jesus, such as malice, slander, envy, and insincerity. Through “Spiritual Milk” from reading the Bible, and listening to Christian teaching, we grow in faithful strength, and like living stones are built into a spiritual house.

We have to remember that Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, was persecuted throughout his ministry. He suffered and died at the hands of those who did not believe, and who hated him. Through his suffering and death, Jesus paid the atonement price for us. We are confident in this because God raised Jesus from the grave, and he now reigns in heaven. The rest of the world does not believe this, and from those who today hate Jesus; we can expect the same persecution.

Ultimately, Peter reminds us that those who hate Jesus and persecute his followers; will be the lost souls, tripped by the rejected cornerstone, who will fall. Before that happens we must remain strong in the faith, because as Peter reminds us we are a royal priesthood, and a holy nation of believers; and therefore God’s own people. Rejoice, because through Jesus; God has had mercy on us.

The responsive reading ends with words of caution and comfort, from the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We are saved by grace and mercy from God, and not because of anything we have done, or can do. Grace is a gift from God, purchased through the blood of Jesus shed for our sins.

Because of this grace, we rejoice and want others we love to also experience it. Paul reminds us that we are saved through Christ, for good works. We do this because we love our Triune God, and want to show our love by bringing others into the holy nation and to become God’s own people.

Peter reminds us that as living stones, we should let ourselves be built into a spiritual house of worship of God through Jesus Christ. This spiritual house is the church, Jesus is the head of that church; and we are called to build up and call others into its fellowship. It is not always easy to do this, but it is the commission given to each of us from Jesus.

Praying that each of us is blessed with a wonderful week, and remain steadfast living stones in the church: the body of Christ, through his grace…

© 2023 David Posival
Rejoicing Through Trials

April 27th, 2023

The responsive reading for 16 April 2023 was taken from I Peter 1:3-9 NRSV, I Peter 1: 13-16 NRSV, Psalm 148: 1-5 NRSV. Following is the corresponding commentary.

For our responsive reading this first Sunday after celebrating Christ’s resurrection, we stay with the theme of Jesus raised from the grave, and paying the price for our sins. The apostle Peter is writing to the believers that are under severe persecution in Cappadocia and other nearby cities in Turkey and Asia Minor. He is encouraging them to remain strong in their faith, looking forward to the reward of all followers of Jesus: eternity in heaven.

It is believed, he is writing to gentile believers who were in Jerusalem during Pentecost, and who became Christians during some of Peter’s sermons. In verse 1 (not a part of the responsive reading), Peter refers to the believers as temporary residents. Just like them we, as followers of Jesus; are temporary residents of earth while we await eternity in heaven.

Our true residence in heaven is being prepared for us by Jesus, as he promised in John 14:2-6. As his followers, Jesus promises to come again and receive us to himself; so that we can be with him in eternity. We cannot get there on our own by works, or anything else. Our ticket to heaven has been bought and paid for by our Suffering Messiah.

As believers in Jesus the Christ, with minds ready for action, we set our hope in his grace; and are to live lives that shine as examples of Jesus’s love and holiness. Putting away the sinful desires of the world, we are to live in holiness as Christ is holy.

As Christians, we must expect to be hated and persecuted by the world; which is controlled by Satan and his minions. All around us we can see attacks on our beliefs, and face ridicule from the unsaved. As this happens, we as examples of Christian love and perseverance; can pray for them asking God to work through us and His Holy Spirit, letting them see the “Light.”

Personally, praying for those who hate me and the Savior I serve, sometimes seems a stretch. This I cannot do except with the leading and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Amid persecution and hate from those who do not believe as I do, I find some comfort and peace in that I am in good company. Just as Christ’s followers have been persecuted through the ages, I can join with them in their trials.

Paraphrasing the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “This light momentary affliction, cannot compare to the eternal weight of glory, working within us”; brings comfort and joy in serving a risen savior, even in adverse times. Therefore, like the Psalmist, we finish our reading with praise for our God and heavenly Father, for His saving grace, paid for through Jesus the Christ.

May your day and this new week be filled with God’s blessings of peace, joy, and love…

© 2023 David Posival
Walking With Jesus

April 13th, 2023

The responsive reading for 9 April 2023, Resurrection Sunday, was titled Walking With Jesus. The reading was taken from the gospel of Luke 24: 1a, 13b-32. This is my favorite Biblical story for the season.

Today’s responsive reading, provides another story about the disciples first encounter with the risen Savior. We all know the details of the women going to the tomb to finish the burial rites for Jesus, and the wonderful realization that he is risen. Today I chose one of my favorite Resurrection Sunday texts: Luke’s description of two disciple’s encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus.

Jesus had many disciples other than the twelve he called. In this instance two of them were walking to the village of Emmaus. They were saddened and confused by the betrayal and crucifixion of their Master. Such grand hopes for the redemption of Israel, had come crashing down in their lives. So, to say they were saddened, is probably and understatement.

These disciples had an encounter with Jesus that completely turned their world upside down. Instead of the conquering Lion of Judah, they met the Suffering Messiah; but with a hope and promise for salvation and eternity with Him. In the book of Acts chapter 17 verse 6, Scripture speaks of the Jewish leaders blaming Paul and Silas for “turning the world upside down” in Thessalonica.

Depending on our previous lives and lifestyle, when the risen Jesus comes into our lives; things also can radically change. While people raised in the Christian church, may not see this radical change, many non-churched converts experience a new awakening.

I relate to this story on several levels. One is walking, as exercise, stress relief, and as a way to clearing my thinking; and is a significant part of my life. Walking with God, as I sometimes call this activity, is literally a time to pray and commune with God in solitude.

Another way of relating to this story, results from how Jesus, “came near them and went with them.” God is always working around us and pursues an intimate love relationship with each of us. Jesus knew the hearts of these travelers and came near and while walking with them called them to the same intimate relationship.

Through God’s Holy Spirit, Jesus walks with us daily, calling us to himself and his love. When we listen, Jesus speaks truth and invites us to join him and the Father, in His work. When I hear Jesus speaking, and his words and my thoughts come together; like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, my heart burns within me with awe and gratitude.

© 2023 David Posival, postoakdave.com