Sunday 21st April 2024

Theme : Hope revived by the resurrection

Texts: Luke 24:13-31

Preacher: Brother WILLIAM 

Are you facing hardship today? The truth is, we all encounter struggles in life. Today, we find ourselves walking alongside Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus. They had just witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus, their hope shattered. Have you ever felt that way? Lost hope? Let's explore how hope is lost and how it can be revived.

1. We lose hope when we withdraw ourselves from the body of Christ, Following Jesus' death, while other disciples are worshiping in the upper room, Cleopas and his companion chose to leave Jerusalem. They separated themselves from the fellowship of believers. When we withdraw from the body of Christ, we become vulnerable. Surrounded by negativity, their conversation fueled their despair. Even within the church, there may be times of discouragement. Yet, the Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:27 that we are all parts of one body. God's forgiveness is boundless, as evidenced by Peter's restoration after his denial. If He can forgive Peter, He can surely forgive and bless you too.
2. Hope dies when you are impatient to wait on the power of resurrection, The disciples on the road to Emmaus discussed the events with a sense of despair. They focused on the loss, dwelling on how long Jesus had been gone. The foundation of our hope lies in the resurrection. As Romans 8:32 declares, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Our God is both willing and able. He has demonstrated His willingness by sacrificing His Son, and His ability by raising Him from the dead. Why then, should we be impatient? As Psalm 27:14 instructs, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." The psalmist tells us to wait patiently on the Lord, so too can we find renewed hope by trusting in His timing and faithfulness.
3. Hope dies when we are ill-equiped with the word of God, the disciples, consumed by their grief, failed to recognize Jesus walking beside them. They lacked the scriptural foundation to discern His presence. When we are well-equipped with God's word, our hope remains steady even amidst storms. The Bible becomes the anchor for our faith.

Brothers and sisters, can you recognize Jesus' presence in your struggles? Know that He is always by your side, a constant source of strength and hope. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Let us turn back to the fellowship of believers, immerse ourselves in God's word, and find hope revived by the power of the resurrection.