THE PHYSICAL IMPACT OF WORDS
Christine Wyrtzen
“Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He walked with us?” Luke 24:32
Does my heart burn when Jesus speaks? Does it burn with conviction, but more often, does it burn as having been affected by a supernatural influence? Have I known a series of life-changing moments when the heavens opened and all became clear?
On the very day that the tomb of Jesus was found empty by Mary Magdalene, two men walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Both disciples of Jesus, they were in deep discussion about the report that Jesus was alive. Incredulous, they couldn’t imagine it was true. At that moment, Jesus appeared and walked with them though they didn’t recognize Him. He challenged their unbelief about the resurrection and began to remind them of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s life, death, and rise to glory. His words were so dynamic that when it was time to leave them, they begged Jesus to stay longer. Later, when He broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and He disappeared from their sight.
Then they had this conversation. “We should have known. Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He walked with us?”
When Jesus speaks, His words are potent. I’m stunned. A bit dissociated. Unable to connect with the mundane. Sleepless due to the excitement I feel. Voraciously hungry for more. Convicted of my sin. More alive than I’ve ever been. Wordless to describe the experience. This is the aftereffect of hearing the Rabbi’s voice.
Like the old hymn, “He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.” Any given day could be an ‘Emmaus Road’ day. There are seasons of revelation. Sometimes Jesus gives me an ‘open heaven’ day and other times He is silent. I must live off the memories of His last visit. But one thing is for sure ~ His words bring physical, emotional, and spiritual impact. David knew. “My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned.” Psalm 39:3
What is the most important spiritual skill I can cultivate? To hear the voice of God. If I live the breadth of my Christian life trying to model the principles of the Bible as if it were a self-help book, not only won’t it be exciting but it won’t sustain me when storms hit. Oh, this is not how it’s supposed to be. I am to feast on true companionship. I’m praying that you will have a ‘burning moment’ today, a supernatural appointment with the Spirit of God. Set your heart in listening mode.
I don’t even have to wait for You to show up on my journey. You’re inside. My heart is ready. In Jesus' name, Amen
Originally published Thursday, 04 October 2018.
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