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For most of us, the people we know more than any other on Earth are our family. We share heartache and pleasures with them, spend the abundance of our time with them, and commit ourselves to their well-being above all others. As such, these loved ones frequently are the ones who lift us up when we are down and we love them for it.
During his time on Earth, Jesus spent more time with his disciples than anyone else. They got to know his voice, thoughts, mannerisms, pet peeves, and even his unique facial gestures. When He was crucified, they were devastated in ways to which few of us can relate. So, when He appeared to the two on the road to Emmaus (see Bouncing Back from Disappointment – Day 2), he prevented them from recognizing Him at first, so He could hear the true nature of their heart. But, as the verses above point out, their eyes were opened to everything, including who He really was when He broke the bread and gave it to them.
This action closely resembles His actions in the Lord’s Supper, where He taught them and forewarned them of what was to come. In the intimate act of the breaking of the bread, these disciples knew who He was and they were immediately encouraged.
When life drags us down and struggle becomes unbearable, our ability to rise above it all hinges on our intimate communion with Christ. Do we spend time with Him, praying and reading His words? Just like we spend time with our family, sharing the joys and sorrows together, do we give all our burdens to and share all our victories with Him? In short, do we live as people who are in Him? Take the time every day to get to know the One to whom you’ve devoted your life, and let Him reveal His true self to you. Regular communion with Christ gives us the means by which we rise above the disappointments of our lives.
