Just a Closer Walk with Thee

That very day, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. And, talking with each other about all these things that had happened.  While they were walking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him…When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. Luke 24: 13-16, 30-31

Everyone has “best” hymns, some for the music, for the beat and rhythm, for the words. Christmas carols have musical charm, simple tunes and easy words. For beat and rhythm, “Onward Christian Soldiers” or “Stand Up For Jesus.” For the words, probably all of Fanny Crosby’s hymns fall into this group, like “Blessed Assurance,” or “I Am Thine Oh Lord.”

Now, my favorite hymns – verses 13-16, on the road to Emmaus. This was a few days after the crucifixion, and the disciples were a lost and discouraged bunch. We’re not sure if the “two of them” were disciples of the twelve, or followers who lived in Emmaus. Many people, when asked the question: “If you could go back to the time of Jesus, and spend only a few minutes near Him, what and where would your choice be? The choices are endless—At the Sermon on the Mount or one of His miracles, healing the blind man, the loaves and fishes, the Last Supper. Where, where?   My choice (and a very personal one) would be to walk with Him on the road to Emmaus.  And to finally name one of my favorite hymns, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” Verse 31:  “And their eyes were opened.”  And my second favorite hymn is “Open My Eyes That I May See.”

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, as we continue on our Christian journey, our prayer today is that our eyes be opened that we might see the salvation that awaits us when we walk with your son, Jesus, Our Savior and Redeemer.  Amen

Ned Eastlack (reprinted from the Eastridge Daily Devotion Book, 2008)