The Wonder Of The Word

by Johnston, Brian, D. | Category: N/a | Apr 2007

What could be better than knowing the physical presence of the Lord? Can we even begin to imagine what it must have been like to walk the dusty roads of Palestine in His company? Who among us would not long for an experience like that of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus?

‘While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him ... And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself ... They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"’ (Luke 24:15-32 ESV).

Why did the Lord conceal the identity of His physical presence with them? Was it not to teach them - and us - that fellowship with Himself can be at least as precious over an open Bible as the Spirit reveals Christ to us (John 14:25,26; 16:14)?

There is also a remarkable statement, standing as it does in the context of the exhilaration of Peter having been present at the transfiguration: ‘we were eyewitnesses of his majesty [he says]. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention’ (2 Pet.1:16-19 ESV).

That, surely, puts every experience, however enthralling, into perspective by similar comparison with the sure and lasting authority of God's Word. May our supreme joy be to bow to its authority over every experience of life, and to find Christ in the Word.

Johnston, Brian, D. | Apr 2007
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