surprise devotionals

‘As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him.’ (vv15-16) Luke 24:13–25

For most journeys, we know our destination from the outset. We make many journeys daily. We visit a neighbour, drive to the shops or take the dog round the block. Most of the time, our mind is anywhere but present with us on our travels but captured by our next task or filled with unresolved issues we know we must settle.

Two disciples set out for Emmaus. Dismayed and confused by the events surrounding Jesus’ death, they pay little attention to a stranger who joins them. They are amazed at the fact that He isn’t preoccupied with recent events, assuming that what absorbed them absorbs everyone.

It’s easy imagining that everyone is caught up with the same concerns as us. However, this is untrue and our concerns may not be of interest to those we pass unnoticed on our life journey.

We are invited to pay closer attention to the strangers we encounter, for God is present everywhere, all the time. Heads down, caught up in the moment, we can miss Jesus in the routine busyness of life.

God continuously speaks to us, and is always actively involved in our lives. Yet, God’s voice may not come from a familiar, or indeed obvious, place.

It is our responsibility constantly to remind ourselves to look upward and outward, and away from the narrative that preoccupies our mind, demanding our full attention.

SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Exod. 4:1–5; 1 Kings 17:7–16; Matt. 13:31–33; 1 Cor. 1:18–31.

AN ACTION TO TAKE: We instinctively get caught up in our own world. Yet, God has called us to serve His kingdom purpose. Let’s remain vigilant as to what God is saying to us throughout our daily schedule.

A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, may I learn to keep one eye on You, whatever consumes my immediate attention in the daily routine of my life. Amen.’


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