The two disciples walking to Emmaus knew Jesus well, but they didn't recognize him when he joined them. The resurrected Christ even discussed the Scriptures with them, but they still did not identify him until he joined them for the evening meal. Then he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Maybe they saw nail scars in his hands and then were stunned to realize who he was. Following the resurrection, there were several times when Jesus wasn't recognized. Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener (john 20:14,15). The disciples, fishing on the lake, thought the man calling from the shore was a stranger (John 21:4). Some of the disciples doubted even when they saw Jesus on the mountain (Matthew 28:16,17).
Conscience Clear?
The United States government has had a conscience fund for many years. Its purpose is to provide relief for people who feel guilty about cheating the government.
Max Lucado tells about a letter received in 1994 that read, "I'm sending ten dollars for the blanket I stole while I was in World War II. My mind could not rest."
Many times the amount is small but the guilt is big. One woman sent in two eight-cent stamps to make up for having twice used a stamp that had not been canceled. A former IRS employee mailed in one dollar for four ballpoint pens she had never returned to the office.
What are Christian Churches anyway?
They are congregationally governed bodies with no official organization controlling them. They desire to reproduce in doctrine, life, and practice the church founded by Christ.
Our Plea
What do we preach? We plead for the unity of all followers of Christ. This was the ideal of Christ for His church. He prayed, "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee" (John 17:21). This unity should not only be in spirit but in reality. It is to be like that between the Father and the Son - a unity in purpose, spirit, and practice, in which all "speak the same thing" (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Temptations: We all have them.
I read in Bob Russell devotional book this story. Once while playing golf, I watched a fascinating drama. It started when a large dog began chasing a mallard duck that had been peacefully minding her own business.
The duck scurried into a nearby lake and began to swim away. The dog refused to quit and dove in after her.
The duck led the dog right to the middle of the pond, sometimes slowing down a little to entice the canine. Just when the dog seemed ready to catch his prey, the duck disappeared underwater. The dog stopped, lifted its head, and looked around, completely bewildered. About fifteen seconds later, the duck resurfaced forty or fifty feet away. The dog swam frantically to catch up, only for the duck to repeat the disappearing act.