At the church weekend we were looking at the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, in particular looking at applications for the church as we seek to move forward together. There are four values that are revealed in the passage (Luke 24:13-49) to which we should aspire.

1. Jesus explained from all the scriptures the things concerning himself (v 27). Jesus is revealed in the word. It’s a living and dynamic word that still very much speaks to us today. I want us to be a church of the word. A church where the word is proclaimed and it causes people’s hearts to burn within them.
2. They recognised Jesus as he broke bread (v31). Jesus is revealed in the context of fellowship, eating together. My prayer is that as people come among us that they will meet Jesus, their eyes will be opened. Where two or three are gathered in his name, he promises his presence. How easily that can be lost or damaged by criticism and unforgiveness.
3. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit who would fill his church with power (v49). Jesus is revealed by his Holy Spirit, who always glorifies him. I long for us to be a church where all the gifts of the Spirit are evident because as Ephesians 4:12 & 1 Cor 14:4-5 point out they are for the building and strengthening of the entire church.
4. Jesus wanted this message of salvation to be proclaimed to the whole world (v47). I long for us to be a “Good News” church where Jesus is revealed in our mission. A church that sees people’s lives transformed and whole communities renewed as they hear and respond to the gospel as it is lived, preached and demonstrated by the church.

Their hearts were burning as Jesus walked with them and expounded the scriptures to them. That is my prayer that our hearts too will burn as we to walk with Jesus, and begin to understand more fully what it means to be his disciple.