You are going the wrong way!

Actually, they were headed in the opposite direction. After all that had happened in Jerusalem, these two were headed away from it all. The holy center of worship, offerings, celebration and intrigue was behind them. They were likely raised in the faith, trained in the faith and expected to act as faithful followers. That was all behind them now.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. (Luke 24: 13-14 NIV)

The very same day the Risen One satisfied the requirement of the curse and cancelled sin. The very same day the Light of the World stepped out from the darkness and into the glorious light of eternity. The very same day the King of Kings and Lord of Lords overcame death and ushered in what truly living meant. The very same day the Victorious One fulfilled the ransom and paid the debt for his brothers and sisters we could never repay. The very same day there were two that were walking away from it all and headed in the wrong direction.

Thank GOD it was seven miles. The number seven has great importance in the Bible: seven days in Genesis, seven Jewish feasts, seven times Joshua marched around Jericho, seven churches in Revelation, seven weeks of revelation in Daniel, forgiveness is offered 70 times 7, Seven seals, trumpets and bowls. Seven means a great deal to both Jew and Gentile. For us, in this story, it meant they had gone far enough.

It’s Easter and I can’t get my loved ones to come to church with me.

Many people ask me what to do about the situation they face with loved ones who have turned their backs on God. They have walked away from it all and are headed in the wrong direction. Sometimes people aren’t offended by Jesus, it’s the church they hate or organized religion that’s 'too judgy.’ This may be your situation or you know someone who was a holy fire and brimstone kind of person and a witness to their faith that brought others to a believing faith in Christ. Perhaps there is someone in your life who loved Jesus and church but now wouldn’t get caught dead or alive seated next to you in church on Easter Sunday. You’re not alone.

We talk a great talk about discipleship. But we often do not have the first clue how to talk to our own family or loved ones about faith let alone talk with someone who’s walked away from it all. God chose to work through the family—in the Bible—you will read every book with a sense of God’s purpose to redeem the family because the family is the building block for every society on earth. The family is the most powerful mechanism for grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Sadly, many of us find it difficult to practice our discipleship with our spouses, children, grandchildren and extended loved ones or people we choose to be our ‘family.’ There are different types of family—family of origin and family of choice. BOTH need Jesus and YOU are the one to be the bridge.

Here is what I believe we can learn from Jesus on Easter.

Where is Jesus before he reveals himself to the disciples? Where you know in your heart he would be…with the lost. Sometimes we can be so close we cannot see what’s truly in front of us. Prepare to do some of your own soul searching and have some honest talk with people you trust to tell you the truth because salvation is on the line.

• Plan for their departure. Manage your own expectations and become the best steward for them in their belief. (Proverbs 22:6)
• Be present. Be where they are—notice where Jesus is—you go to the gym, the bar, the coffee shop, the video game playoff, concert—hangout place because that is exactly where Jesus would be—with them, with the lost. (Matthew 9:10-17; Mark 2:15-22; Luke 5:29-39; Luke 15; John 14:1-3)
• Be prepared. Understand your faith—your reason for believing—your own theology—and be able to present it without guilt or blame. Look up arguments and understand the Bible yourself. There is nothing worse than hypocrisy. Jesus hated hypocrisy, too. (Matthew 23; 1 Peter 3:15)
• Be persistent. Never, ever…no…not ever. Never, never, never, never…ever give up. NEVER. (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8, Romans 8)
• Be profoundly honest. Admit if you are in the way. Divorce, horrible life experiences, death, abuse, addiction, loss, bankruptcy, mistakes, prison, unforgiveness, stupidity…yes, admit that you are part of the problem and you are part of the solution. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:20)
• Be patient. Jesus isn’t interested in your time table or your reputation. Jesus is interested in their salvation. (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:13-16;1 John 4:9-14)

So what happened?

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:15-16) Repeat after me…I don’t always know what Jesus is up to. (Repeat until you believe it.)

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 24:17-18) Jesus is qualified to talk with them without you and they are capable of receiving revelation without you.

Friends, read the Luke 24 scripture yourself. Allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to convict and compel you. Let Jesus be Jesus…especially with those who are headed in a wrong direction. Deal with your own hurt, embarrassment, disillusionment or abandonment issues. Maybe you’ve judged yourself and your family too harshly. Or maybe…you really do not trust Jesus with the salvation of your loved ones. Whatever the case. Believe that Jesus, who is greater than anything we could ever dream or imagine, is on your side. He sees you. He has heard your prayers and Jesus is concerned.

He has already done all the hard work. Rejoice and BELIEVE!

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:45-48)

Happy Easter!!

Pastor Jen

Resources for Prodigals, Lost People and Music to encourage you:

Article for reading https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/christian-trends/is-it-your-fault-when-your-kids-lose-their-faith.html

Addiction Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK_Jizsd8qI

Hope for Hurting Parents https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrYz2uJdfFg

Marriage and Forgiveness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePOqPscKDNs

Zach Williams Rescue Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yr48Berkqc

Zach Williams LIVE Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9iNqV2f5mA

Zach Williams Live at Harding Prison Chain Breaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9iNqV2f5mA

Zach Williams Live at Harding Prison No Longer Slaves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDnA_coA168