“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. (Luke 24:19-21 NIV)
What are you hoping for? The disciples on the way to Emmaus had hoped that Jesus was the One who was going to redeem Israel. He did, just not the kind of redemption they were expecting. “He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (vv.25-27).
There was Hope walking with them and they didn’t see Him. First and foremost, they – and we – needed rescuing from sin. Their hope was met differently, but it was still met. We also know from Scripture that Jesus will return as the triumphant King and He will indeed redeem Israel from all oppression. In His way and time, God will resurrect your hope, so keep hoping because Hope still walks with us.
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Rising with the Son 