So as of late I’m reading about and communicating lots with or about Martin. I think back to those eight months together and ponder the “whys” and “whats” of his presence among us. What was I to learn about life from this long encounter? He never once spoke about God or faith, and I purposely probed and prodded him on several occasions. There appeared to be no great spiritual aspect to his goal or his journey as is often the case on these types of epic journeys. To this day I ponder, what is the take-away from my time with Martin? What was I to learn or grow from Martin’s presence among us? In the context of today’s writing I know this… Martin loved to walk.
Jesus was a walker. Certainly, out of necessity since there were no Ubers or Lyfts, but I get a strong sense that Jesus walked because it was right, holistic, healthy, meaningful, and Godly. One of my favorite Jesus encounter stories is that of Jesus walking the road to Emmaus with two of his disciples. (Luke 24:13-35)
These two men are simply walking toward the next town, most likely seven plus miles away. They are grieving heavily for their friend, leader, and savior who has just suffered a brutal death on the cross. They are confused, scared, depressed, disoriented, fatigued, anxious, and bone-weary tired for all the emotions of the past weeks. Nothing makes sense. They are without purpose, meaning, or direction. Everything they thought they knew had been washed away. They are staring into a dark, uncertain, and empty future.
Jesus happens to saddle up next to them and joins them “on their walk” but they are somehow kept from recognizing him. Jesus quietly walks along beside them the whole way. Not pushing from behind, no pulling from the front, just walking alongside them. He mostly listens as these two grieving men pour out their heavy hearts. He occasionally asks questions even though he knows the answers. Jesus is simply present, available, and accessible. The two men don’t even know who they’re talking to!
A fork in the road comes, and Jesus feigns like he is continuing onward. Jesus never forces himself on anyone. Jesus waits, and then receives the invitation. The two men have felt something stirring and moving from walking with this man, and desire for this stranger to continue walking alongside them. So, Jesus continues to walk with them by invitation only.
Upon their arrival in Emmaus, they broke bread together and suddenly they recognized Jesus. Just as quickly, Jesus disappears, and they utter these famous and profound words; “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Jesus is waiting for your invitation to walk alongside you. He will never force his way into your world. But as you walk, he will listen, he will be present, available, and accessible. You can pour out all your struggles, grief, anger, frustration, anxiety, fear, and confusion. He will listen and walk along with you through all of it.
May you have the courage to leave the sofa, the couch, and the recliner and go for a walk. It is good, it is right, it is wholesome, and it is a Godly gift. It might be just what the Great Physician prescribes for you during these difficult times. May you invite Jesus to join you as you walk and talk. Maybe too, your heart with burn within as God gives you His peace, His wisdom, and His strength. Solivtur ambulando.
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