VOICES FROM THE PAST

ABIDE WITH ME

Things had not turned out the way they had planned. It often happens that way in life. We get excited about one thing oranother, only for it to pass all too suddenly. That seems tobe what happened for these two. Their world had come to a crashing halt with the news that their master was killed. Their minds were now filled with questions: what should we do? Where should we go? On top of all these problems, there were rumors about their master's death and events following. It seemed so unfair that all of this should happen, and at a major holiday on top of that.

As they travelled, they met a stranger. He listened to them, and then discussed the scriptures with them. Listening to him, they realized he was a person who had some understand- ing of God's word. As night came, they implored the stranger to stay with them, "Abide with us" they said. (Luke 24:29) Their invitation to hospitality was rewarded with the knowledge that as they ate with the stranger, one act he performed lead them to know his true identity. When he took the bread, blessed it, brake it and gave it to them, at once knew who he was: Jesus, the Christ! (Luke 24:30,31)

When we are able to overcome the difficulties of life, and focus on the work of God, then we may be surprised at the results! These two disciples, though they had problems and worries, were able to put those aside for a moment and discuss the scriptures with a stranger, who turned out to be Jesus. Do we have the ability to do the same? Can we learn to keep the problems of life from overwhelming us, so we can focus on that which can relieve those problems? Can we learn not to focus so much on our own problems and learn to think about the needs of others? Yes, it is difficult but it is NOT impossible.

Their simple request, "Abide with us" brought a result greater than they could have hoped for: more time with the Master. Just when they thought they would never see Him again, their offer to a stranger brought what they desired. Maybe we toocan learn a valuable lesson. Maybe, just maybe, by reaching out to others, we too can have an opportunity to spend more time with the Master. [JW]