Devotionals for the Heart: What can happen when you ask Jesus to stay

Three Hours One Sunday
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” — Luke 24:32 (NIV)

It was Resurrection Sunday.

Jerusalem was still reeling with grief and confusion. Jesus Christ, whom many had believed to be the Messiah, had been crucified just three days earlier. His followers were heartbroken. Their hopes, it seemed, had died on the cross with Him. Among them were two disciples who left Jerusalem and began a seven-mile journey to a village called Emmaus. This walk—just about three hours—would become one of the most transformative encounters in Scripture.

According to Luke 24:13-35, two people—one named Cleopas and the other unnamed—were talking and reasoning together as they walked. I would offer the conjecture that Cleopas was walking with his wife on this seven-mile journey. Why? Because their conversation was intimately heavy—full of sorrow, grief and confusion. Also, because as they neared their destination, they strongly invited Jesus to have dinner at their house and to spend the night.

As they strolled along together, they spoke of Christ’s suffering and death, of the rumors that His body was missing, and of the women who claimed they had seen angels announcing He was alive. They were trying to make sense of it all.

At some point in our lives, each of us has or will have a walk to Emmaus experience. This happens when our realities conflict with our expectations and we feel like God has left us. We are walking our own road to Emmaus when questions and doubts about what we believed God would do for us is incongruent with what has actually happened to us. We thought He would fix our marriage, heal our illness, restore our finances…and now we’re walking away from Jerusalem, from the place of pain and dead expectations.

But here is the comfort: Jesus meets us, like He met them, on the road of disappointment. Scripture says, “Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him” (Luke 24:15–16). He joined them, not with condemnation, but with companionship. The risen Savior doesn't just meet us in the sanctuary; He meets us in our sorrow.

Jesus listened patiently as the two disciples poured out their grief. Then He spoke—not about His resurrection at first, but about the Word of God. Luke says, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

What a Bible study that must have been! Their hearts burned, though they still did not recognize Him. In that moment, He resurrected their hope! That’s what happens when the living Word comes alive in us.

When they reached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if He were going further. But they urged Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over” (Luke 24:29). Jesus accepted their invitation and as He broke the bread at dinner, they recognized Him! Then, He disappeared!

In my life it was not until I invited Jesus to stay, until I made room for Him in the ordinary moments of my life, that my eyes opened. In that intimate moment of reverence, as Jesus broke the bread for them, revelation came, through the simple act of fellowship and shared bread.

Then they said: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). Their despair turned into joy. Their confusion turned into clarity. Their restored hope reinvigorated them. Their perspectives, desires and direction in life changed.

Though it was late, they immediately returned to Jerusalem. The same road that had been marked by discouragement was now charged with mission. They had encountered the risen Christ. How could they stay silent? How could they wait until sunrise when they knew that the Son of God had risen?

Three hours. One Sunday. That’s all it took. From remorse to revelation. From sorrow to joy. From confusion to clarity. From walking away to walking with purpose. The risen Christ still walks with us on our Emmaus roads. When our faith falters, He meets us. When our hearts are heavy, He speaks truth. When we invite Him in, He opens our eyes. Therefore, I encourage you to walk with Him. Listen to His voice. Let your heart burn again. Because three hours with Jesus—on any day—can change your life forever.

Let’s Pray: Thank You, dear God, for Resurrection Sunday and every day since then. For now, we live in the light of redeeming grace and anointed service to our living Lord. We don’t look back in grief but forward in faith that soon and very soon, “He that shall come, will come and will not tarry (Hebrews 10:37).” In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: A Symbol of Jesus Christ's Promise to Return

The Folded Napkin

A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” – John 20:7 (KJV)

A few weeks ago, the Christian Church formally and personally celebrated Easter. The resurrection of our Lord is a time of joy, re-birth and appreciation. Within theology and Christology, there is definitely a place for the historical Jesus and the cultural context within which he lived, alongside the divine person of Christ Jesus who gifts us with salvation and eternal life and lives within us through His Spirit.

Many years ago, my pastor at the time preached a sermon on the folded napkin, it so impressed me, that I never forgot. We have to consider that Jesus was a reflection in many ways of the culture within which he was born and lived.

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after his resurrection? The gospel of John 20:7 tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the other grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. I can only imagine her fright and shock as she ran to find Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have laid him!” – John 20:2 (KJV) 

Peter and the other disciple took off running to the tomb so they could see for themselves. The other disciple being faster outran Peter and got there first. Cautiously he stooped and peered in. He saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived, breathless and without hesitation, went inside the tomb. He was stunned to see the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, we need to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating.

The servant would dare not touch the table until the master was finished. Now if the master was finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth, clean his beard, and wad up the napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back!”

Let us not only remember Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, but the fact that he did leave a folded napkin to symbolize that He is not finished and He is coming back for His faithful servants within His Church.

And Jesus commissioned His disciples after His resurrection and said to them, “I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” –Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

I am mindful when I eat out about the napkin. If I’ve enjoyed the meal and the service has been excellent, I always fold the napkin and place it by my plate. The establishment may not understand the significance of the folded napkin, but it is my way of saying, “I’m coming back.”

We not only have a hope, but a promise, because Jesus said He’s coming back.

My Prayer: Father (God), thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, for all of humanity. Teach us, O Lord, to be kind and to love as Jesus taught. We will be your hands and feet on the earth and share the Good News of Jesus and the promise of the folded napkin. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance. She has placed it in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Easter

Easter
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." ~1 Thessalonians 4:14 (KJV) 

I absolutely adore Easter. It is by far my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, from the bright colors of new spring outfits to the Easter egg hunts. Our family gathers each year to eat a big meal and visit. Some of the dads will hide the eggs while us ladies keep the kids occupied and try to prevent peeking. Then we let them free into the sunshine and listen to their giggles and squeals. After we find all (okay, most) of the eggs we settle in to open them and see what goodies the kids have found. The children run and play in the hopefully warm yard and enjoy the rest of the day.

We’ve had a few cold Easters, but I think I tend to block the memories of the chill-out. I’m a lot like a groundhog, I think. Or a momma bear. I get into this hunkered-down kind of funk in the winter months, and Easter is the first time I really feel like I’m coming out of my cocoon. Like I’ve been asleep all winter and now I can peel back the layers of gray and stretch into the sunshiny, flowery day of Easter with a huge smile on my face. With the birds returning and the animals waking, springtime is a wonderful time of rebirth. I don’t think it is any mistake on God’s part that Easter happens in springtime, do you?

More than anything, though, I adore Easter because of that great love God sent down for us. Without the love of His son Jesus, we could never know our own personal reawakening that is more than waking up after winter or simply waking up each morning. What Easter represents is the most beautiful love story ever told. A man, who was sinless and perfect, chose to take on my sins and bear them to a cross of agony in order to set me free. He died to prove His power over life and death, rising again, awakening again on the third day and attaining the victory that can never be taken from Him. And He chose to let me be a part of that eternal reawakening, even though I’m not perfect and even though I don’t deserve His mercy and grace.

His birth celebration is important, of course, but without the resurrection, the world never would have seen what a truly-miraculous, tradition-breaking, awe-inspiring plan salvation is. Without Jesus’ resurrection, once I slumber in death that’s where I would stay. But because of that mind-bending miracle, the one I can’t even try to wrap my humble brain around, I get to go to sleep in death and rise again in Heaven. Doesn’t that make you want to shout for joy?!

Many of our Christian holidays have become so commercialized, generations of children grow up believing that trees and eggs and candy and presents are what they are about at their core. I’m so glad I know the truth and am able to teach it to my children. Easter is a great time of reflection on my personal salvation story and a day I can spend in extra prayer thanking Him for loving me enough to die for me. For loving me enough to rise for me.

I hope this Easter you were surrounded by family who loves you, by a church who loves you, and by friends who love you. But I also hope you remembered that there has never been a more beautiful reason to celebrate. Easter is proof God loves you enough to want you in Heaven with Him and His Son.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.