#LiveStrong #Burn2018 #EnvisageNow
In the bible story about Cleopas and another disciple, we read that they were on their way to a village called Emmaus, when a stranger approached them and asked why they were so downcast. This was after the crucifixion of Jesus. They had no idea that it was Jesus who was ‘explaining the Scriptures concerning Himself’ to them.
As they approached the village, they urged ‘the stranger’ to stay the evening as it was late. The ‘stranger’ sat at the table, took bread, gave thanks and broke it and began to give to them. What happened next is something I pray for every day. It says, ’then, their eyes were opened and they recognised Him. After this He disappeared from their sight.’
We read in Luke 24:32, “That they asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road, and opened the Scriptures to us?”
As leaders, three powerful challenges jump out to me when reading this story.
1. Are your eyes open to what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life, your church, and your city? As leaders our spiritual eyes need to be open to discern and provide leadership to the people we are responsible for. Sometimes Jesus and the Holy Spirit is in our midst and we don’t even know it. Lets wake up to what the Holy Spirit is doing!
2. As leaders, does your heart ‘burn’ when you read and study the Scriptures? Maybe you hear someone minister the truths of God’s word, it does something and there is a stirring in you? This was the response of the disciples when they said ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road, and opened the Scriptures to us? Let us model passion and excitement for His word.
3. As Biblical leaders, the Bible says that we are ambassadors of Christ. We are to represent Jesus here on earth. We are called to imitate Him in every possible way. Jesus spoke to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and their hearts burned when He expounded the scriptures. As preachers of the Gospel ,as we expound the Scriptures to our congregations, life groups, counselling and doing life with people, do THEIR hearts burn because of the words we speak? Is our heart and mind so full of the anointing and passion of God that when we speak the words we speak bring life shifts to those who hear.?
The challenge is what do people say after they have been in your company and hear you speak!
As I continue my exciting and life changing journey with Christ as a disciple and as a leader, I want to be able to say on a daily basis ‘My heart burns every time I read and study the scriptures and it compels me to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every tribe, culture and nation’.