Day 17: Hearts That Burn for Jesus
Bible passage: Luke 24:13–35; Luke 9:23
Two Kinds of Passion
Today is Sunday 17th of January 2021. Welcome to Day 17 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. We are in the final week, with our eyes on the cross.
We use the word “passion” for anything we feel strongly about: a football team, a hobby, a cause. But the word comes from an old Latin word for suffering, which is why the last days of Jesus are called His Passion. The two meanings belong together. What we truly love, we are willing to suffer for.
A Walk to Emmaus
Hope in the Past Tense
It is the day of the resurrection, and two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem with sadness written across their faces. A stranger joins them on the road and asks what they are talking about.
They tell Him about Jesus of Nazareth, and then they say one of the saddest things in the Gospels. They had hoped that He was the Messiah (Luke 24:21). Their hope was in the past tense. They had even heard that the tomb was empty, and still they were walking the wrong way.
The Scriptures Opened
The stranger, who is Jesus Himself, asks them a question. Was it not clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering His glory (Luke 24:26)? Then He takes them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, and explains what the Scriptures say about Himself (Luke 24:27).
The suffering of Jesus was not the plan going wrong. It was the plan.
Hearts on Fire
When they reach the village they urge Him to stay. At the table He takes bread, blesses it and breaks it, and suddenly they know who He is. Afterwards they say to each other that their hearts had been burning within them while He talked with them on the road and opened the Scriptures (Luke 24:32).
Within the hour they are on their feet and walking the seven miles back to Jerusalem in the dark, to tell the others. A burning heart moves the feet.
Passion That Costs
Take Up Your Cross
Jesus said that anyone who wants to be His follower must give up their own way, take up their cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). His own passion for the Father was shown in obedience, all the way to death.
Our passion for God is not measured by how loudly we sing. It is measured by how readily we obey when obedience costs us something. And He promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).
Three Steps for Today
Ask for fire. If your heart has grown cool, say so. Ask Jesus to walk with you and open the Scriptures to you as He did for them.
Stay with the story. Read Luke 24:13–35 slowly. Notice when Jesus drew near, and how long it took them to recognise Him.
Choose the costly yes. Name one area where following Jesus is costing you something, and choose to obey Him in it today.
You are not walking this road alone. Even in the darkest valley, the Shepherd is close beside you (Psalm 23:4).
Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your passion: Your love for the Father and for me, which took You to the cross. Forgive me that my own heart so easily grows cold. Walk with me today. Open the Scriptures to me and set my heart on fire again. Give me a love for You that is willing to obey, whatever it costs. Amen.
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