The Road Away From God | Bob Marsch | Beholding the Risen Christ

Luke tells a story of two disillusioned disciples walking the Emmaus road away from the holy city, where they had watched their hope die a gruesome death right before their eyes. These two disciples were a part of a reformed movement within Judaism. They believed that Jesus was the one who was going to restore the glory of Israel, mostly by kicking out the Romans and restoring the majesty of a King leading Israel. But then, to the follower’s horror, they witnessed the religious leaders of Israel torture and execute their hope for change. Jerusalem, which was once a symbol of a safe place for them, has now become a haunted place. But the resurrected Christ is profoundly present with these two disciples —and present with all who walk in disillusionment. So often the story God is telling with our lives is not the story we are telling about ourselves. Sometimes the story of disillusionment and despair, a story of walking away, becomes a story of resurrection. These two on the road to Emmas are simply having a candid and honest conversation about their vulnerable sorrow. What they hoped for. What they believed in. What they witnessed died. What stopped working for them. It was in the midst of this conversation that the Risen One shows up and asks to join their conversation. “What are you talking about?” The Risen One walks with us in our vulnerable and sorrowful conversations. God is available everywhere, but God is especially present when people get vulnerable. Whether it be in a temple, a roadside tavern, or simply walking down a street discussing their pain.