In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was. He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?" They just stood there, long-faced, like they had just lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?" He said, "What has happened?" They said, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened.
Luke 24:16-21 (MSG)
I don't know about you, but disappointment isn't a topic I want to discuss as part of my journey with Jesus after resurrection. I've often thought there shouldn't be disappointment to deal with once Jesus has resurrected from the grave. His death saved me from my sins, and His life offers the power to live in His victory. So, disappointment died at Calvary, right?
Oh, how I want this to be true!
The disciples on the road to Emmaus walked with disappointment after the resurrection. Obviously, they didn't yet know Jesus was alive. However, disciples of Jesus lived with disappointment long after His resurrection was known, and we will live with it too. So, let's consider how we can handle disappointment well.
Webster's Dictionary states that disappointment is the act or instance of experiencing unmet expectations. In our story, the disciples expected Jesus would deliver Israel from their current difficulty. Without going into the deep, historical issues, the people of Israel were living in much trial, tribulation, and cruelty at the hands of their leadership. They were oppressed. Naturally, followers of Jesus expected that He was going to fix their circumstances. Immediately!
But, He was crucified.
He was buried.
And, it had been three days.
I've always given these disciples a hard time. In the past, I've read this passage of scripture and noted the fact that they walked with "downcast faces" while their Savior walked right beside them. Almost laughingly, I have pointed out their inability to see reality because of their disappointment. Today, though, I am reading it differently. Regardless of the fact that LIVING Jesus was walking with them, their expectations had not been met. That's reality. Even the fact that Jesus died and raised to life didn't change the physical oppression they would continue to experience at the hands of their leadership. Actually, some of those circumstances were about to get much, much scarier.
At this particular moment, these disciples didn't quite know all of the details. Very soon, Jesus will connect some dots for them and hope will be restored. However, I don't want to rush past this truth.... the way they'd hoped Jesus would deliver Israel was their plan not Jesus' plan.
I have had faith in Jesus Christ since I was 7 years old. I have followed Him as closely as possible. Without a doubt, I know I will live victoriously with Him in Heaven someday. Yet, there are some plans I've had for my life (VERY GOOD plans I might add) that haven't happened like I hoped. I bet you have those plans too.
How in the world do we live in a world like ours with the knowledge and experience of resurrected Jesus? I think our two disciples can give us some pointers...
1. Don't hide the disappointment.
I'm stoic by nature. I've been called a "hero" for this quality. No matter what is going on around me, I can put on a strong face and power through. I've always believed it to be a gift. It hasn't served me well, though. Refusing to look straight into the face of disappointment and feel every feeling associated with it created space in my heart for bitterness and resentment to grow. Did you notice how Jesus let these two go on and on about all they'd hoped for that didn't happen? He didn't feel the need to hijack and redirect their pity party. Maybe acknowledging the reality of disappointment is part of finding true and real hope.
2. Keep going.
Even though the two disciples were completely distraught, they were still moving. Neither one of them chose to isolate, hide, or stop. They continued on together. Maybe this is the truest picture of resilience which is something we all want to have for our bouts with disappointment. In her book, "I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet," Shauna Niequest says, Resilience is watching your lovingly made plans fall to dust in your hands, grieving what's lost and making (yet another) plan. It's being willing to lay down your expectations for what you thought your life would be, what this year would be, what this holiday season would be, and being willing to imagine another way.
YES! Keep moving. Keep going. Imagine another way.
As long as we live in this world, we will have disappointment. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, though, we don't have to hide it. We get to be honest with Him, and He understands. In our honesty, we choose to not quit! We trust that He is faithful to His promises.
He will restore.
He does make things new.
He can produce beauty from ashes.
But, we will have to loosen our expectations, ask for His vision, and imagine a new way.
A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
John 10:10 (MSG)
No comments :
Post a Comment