Almost Past You

“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.”
Luke 24:28-29 (NIV)

What would it take to realize Jesus has been walking beside you all along? 

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus has walked with these two disciples for two hours. He has opened the entire Old Testament, showing them all of the Scriptures pointing to Him. And then, as they reach the village, He just keeps walking as if He's going farther.

The next move is theirs.

They urge Him to stay. The Greek word for “urged” used in today’s verse literally means to use force. These men did everything but put Jesus in a headlock. And the moment they extend that invitation, a stranger turns into the Savior.

Jesus never imposes Himself on anyone. He has answers to your hardest questions, healing for your deepest hurts, and forgiveness for every failure you've been carrying. 

But He is a gentleman. He will walk right beside you through the worst season of your life and never push His way in.

Maybe you've been grinding your way through something completely alone. Or you believe in Jesus but haven't actually invited Him into this, that specific thing keeping you up at 2 AM. He's not absent or distant. He's right there, waiting on you to open the door.

Two words are all it takes: "Stay, Lord."

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me Your Word and showing me the path to life. I am urging You to stay with me, Lord! Don’t walk on! Help me see that You are ready to answer, to heal and to forgive. Stay with me! I welcome You here and now. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.