Something on the road
Published 6:39 am Thursday, August 30, 2018
I saw what I saw, and I can’t forget it I heard what I heard, and I can’t go back I know what I know, and I can’t deny it Something on the road cut me to the soul — Sara Groves
Do you remember how and when you became the person you are today? How your life was forever changed? So many experiences shaped you but often there is one or possibly two events that as Sara Groves describes: “cut you to the soul.”
Shortly after Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples were on the road when an encounter “cut them to the soul”: “Two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus. They were talking about everything that happened. As they talked, Jesus began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.” – Luke 24:13-16 Later, while breaking bread for a meal the disciples recognized Jesus and were forever changed by what they saw and heard that day. “Something on the road cut me to the soul.” The disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others.
The next verse of Sara Groves poem reveals a “cut me to the soul” response. I say what I say with no hesitation I have what I have and I’m giving it up I do what I do with deep conviction Something on the road changed my world Most of us experience events that “cut to the soul.” But how do you respond? Do you “file it away” and forget? Do you quit? Give up? Or do you allow the experience to become a catalyst toward needed change?
After the Disciples encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus, they rushed back to tell the others. Jesus soon afterward appeared to all of the disciples and said: “this message will be proclaimed in the authority of My name to all the nations: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things and now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised.” Parts of Luke 24:47-49
The disciples were “cut to the soul” by the appearance of Jesus. That experience combined with the promised Holy Spirit became the catalyst for change. With renewed courage: They spoke with conviction; made sacrifices when necessary; acted with deep conviction. Their experience with Christ cut them to the soul and changed their world forever.
Serving Christ can change your world forever. There are difficult encounters along the way. The challenge to speak in the name of Jesus Christ; to sacrifice when needed, to carry out your faith with confidence and deep conviction. Tough tests. But we serve a God who is more than capable of seeing us through every trial. George Mueller wrote: “The only way to know strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm through severe testings.” Psalm 56 says: ‘When I am afraid, I will trust in you.’” (56:3)
May Christ give us courage and faith to live out Sara Groves poem: I saw what I saw, and I can’t forget it I heard what I heard, and I can’t go back I know what I know, and I can’t deny it Something on the road cut me to the soul. I say what I say with no hesitation I have what I have and I’m giving it up I do what I do with deep conviction Something on the road changed my world.
REV. LARRY E. DAVIES can be reached at larrydavies@ sowingseedsoffaith.com.