Hope Has Risen!

Luke 24: 21 But we trusted (hoped) that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.

Two disciples were walking to their home in Emmaus and as they walked they were rehearsing the recent events, the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. They were remembering a time when they had HOPE in someone and in something.

Things hadn’t turned out the way they thought they would. Now their HOPE is a thing of the past. They speak of HOPE in the past tense; “We had hoped He was the Redeemer”. According to their conversation, they had heard from the women who were first to the tomb, then from Peter and John who had also been to the empty tomb, that the body of Jesus was missing. Jesus, the reason of their hope was missing and they were confused (vs. 22).

But they just hadn’t put it all together yet. Their theology was right but their experience was lacking. When they experienced the Presence of Jesus, much like you will in the worship service today, everything changed. Their hearts burned to hear more about Him! Their HOPE had risen!

Jesus said, ” because I live, ye shall live also.” Luke 14:19b

HOPE is alive! HOPE HAS RISEN! HOPE is here!

Hope is real. Hope is relevant. Hope is everlasting!

HOPE IS HERE!

-Pastor T.H. Sheppard