Hearts Burning Within Us

Scripture Reading — Luke 24:13-35

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us . . . ?”
— Luke 24:32

One of the ways we can speak of “resonance” is in terms of human connection. When a person says something that connects with us deeply, we might say, “Yes, that resonates with me,” or maybe, “I feel the same way. I’m totally in sync with you on that.”

We can find resonance in spiritual experiences as well. This happens in our story for today, about two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walk along, a stranger joins them and engages with them in a long and meaningful conversation about Jesus, his death, and what the Scriptures taught about the promised Messiah.

Yet only after the stranger breaks bread with them and then disappears do the disciples realize that they were walking and talking with Jesus. They didn’t realize he had risen from the dead! Notice what they say to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” That description of burning hearts is a powerful description of resonance.

When we encounter Jesus in a true and meaningful way, we may sense that something is shifting within us. We are in the presence of life-changing truth.

Over the next few days, let’s explore more about this resonating experience. And, like those disciples, may we encounter the living Jesus as he breaks into our lives.

Jesus, may our hearts burn within us in response to your work in our lives. May your Word and Spirit enliven us today and make us more like you. Amen.

Written by: Kevin DeRaaf