Change of Plans
When our granddaughter, Kendra,
turned 28 earlier this month, we weren’t able to celebrate with her, because
she was in Japan during that time. Even if she had been home, it wouldn’t have
worked, because Al had an unplanned trip to the hospital.
However, after she had returned
from Japan and Al was feeling better, we arranged to meet for lunch at a popular
restaurant that was known for its juicy hamburgers. Al had been advised by a
doctor to eat more red meat in order to build up the iron in his blood. So, he
was following the doctor’s orders!
The restaurant which first opened in
1952, had recently relocated. We did not realize that it was being remodeled
and discovered when we arrived that there was no seating inside! Food was
available by take-out only, with a smaller selection on the menu than expected.
After our food arrived in a paper
bag, I suggested that we go back to our house to eat. That turned out to be a
good solution. It was nice to sit around the dining room table and visit
without any distractions. Al and I were able to focus on Kendra, hear about the
trip and enjoy her company!
It wasn’t long before the time came
for her to leave. In spite of the change of plans, the belated birthday
celebration was successful. Kendra is a busy young lady, so any time we can
spend with her is always special.
On that same day, Sunday, Al and I
heard two sermons, both taken from the passage in Luke about two disciples of
Jesus who also had a quick change of plans. The men were walking along a road
leading from Jerusalem to the small town of Emmaus.
Earlier that morning, they had
heard the news along with many of Jesus’ followers about a startling
discovery—Jesus’ tomb was empty! Even more amazing was the assertion from the
women who had gone to anoint His body, of angels proclaiming “He is not here;
he has risen!” (Luke 24:6a NIV)
Who knows why these two decided to
leave Jerusalem? Why didn’t they stay with the others? As they walked along,
they were recounting everything that had happened to Jesus that weekend when a
stranger joined them. He seemed interested in their conversation.
With sad faces, they asked him how he had
missed hearing the news of the death of Jesus of Nazareth. Then they shared how
that morning, Jesus’ tomb was found to be empty and the body missing.
As the three continued walking together, the
stranger began to explain from the Scriptures, beginning with Moses, how God’s
Messiah would have to suffer and die for the sins of the people. Since it was
getting late, the disciples urged the stranger to spend the night with them upon
reaching their destination.
“When he was at the table with them,
he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then
their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from
their sight.” (Luke 24:30 NIV)
With joy and wonder, the men
quickly changed their plans, packed their things and once more got on the road,
this time walking back to Jerusalem! It was most likely late at night when they
found the disciples gathered together, and told all who were present of Jesus’
appearance.
Then, there was another surprise.
Jesus stood in their midst, saying “Peace be with you.” (Luke
24:37a) He confirmed to everyone in the room that He
was alive, showing them the scars from the nails in His hands and feet, and
even asking for a piece of fish to eat!
I wonder if I had been one of the
two men on the road, would I have invited a stranger to spend the night? Would
I have even recognized the Lord? And would I have so quickly changed my plans
and made the return trip to Jerusalem in the dark?
Perhaps these men had departed from
Jerusalem prematurely; however, in each moment of decision they responded
correctly. Once reunited with the other disciples, they were blessed by the
Lord’s appearance for the second time that day. Their change of plans turned
into a life-changing experience.
Jesus wasn’t dead—gone forever as
they thought. He was alive and with them, just as He had promised. God is good!
“Many are the plans in a man’s
heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV
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