17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
I am reminded of the words in Proverbs:
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, Prov 13:12 (NIV)
Disappointed, dismayed and downcast these disciples had had their hopes dashed. They had great expectations that Jesus would be the One to redeem Israel and now their hopes had been nailed to the cross. If hope deferred makes one’s heart sick certainly hope disappointed – especially such a grand hope as this – would kill the heart. Ever been disappointed when expectations go awry? When all hope seems to float away as a balloon in the sky? It is difficult to assimilate grave disappointment and to pick up the fragments of our feelings and emotions setting them back on track again. It is even easy for us to begin to question truths that we have always held firmly and dear. In his wonderful book, The Promise, Robert Morgan states:
“It is during these times that God wants to teach us His richest and deepest lessons: the Lord intends to stabilize, strengthen, and develop us – that’s one of the reasons He allows troubles to come. They are His tools in conforming us into the image of Christ.”
The crucifixion is such a perfect example of Romans 8:28:
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Indeed, the greatest thing that had ever happened for mankind had just taken place yet because it was not the plan these followers had had in mind, they were sorely discouraged. Scripture tells us when we are in the midst of both confusing and confounding circumstances we are to seek His face in prayer:
22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalms 55:22 (NIV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Our focus needs to be off the mess and on to the Master. Certainly when our eyes are fixed upon the circumstances rather than on Christ our peace is robbed, our joy is gone, and our hopes and dreams drift away. Yet through the Holy Spirit’s power we are given the wisdom, the strength and the endurance not only to persevere through the trial per se but to persevere through the trial with both peace and joy. Believer, these are not merely trite words – these words have been tested and proved true. One needs to only examine the life of Paul in the New Testament to see this truth fleshed out. We are told by the writer of Hebrews where our vision is to be set:
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:2-3 (NIV)
The Suffering Servant endured for the joy ahead – bringing many sons to glory. Remember Jesus’ parting words in Matthew:
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matt 28:18 (NIV)
“Don’t become so distracted by your crisis that you disregard your Christ.” Robert Morgan
“All must have their sorrows and disappointments, but we must never forget that Jesus will answer our prayers for our good, and answer then so much more fully and completely than we have dared to dream.” Fanny Crosby
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 (NIV)