Yet Christ Himself Shall Soothe the Way

The appearance of Jesus happened on the same day that he rose from the dead. In this long exquisite idyll of the Resurrection, a walk of only seven and a half miles sorrowful walk on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, life's despair, shattered expectations pressed down one's soul once more. But on that very special day, the two disciples meeting up with the resurrected Jesus had literally and eternally changed their lives. The dispirited walk became a sweet fellowship. The seven and half miles of dirt road telescoped into but a few steps. Moreover, Jesus "abide" with them in the same evening (Luke 14:29, KJV).

Ah, why should God's own be not one of sweet walk of fellowship. His presence fills our heart with everlasting love. As Peter resoundingly affirms, "and though you have not seen Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8 NASB)

Robert Browning wrote this poem based on the Gospel of Luke, 24:-13-27, "The Walk to Emmaus."

EMMAUS
Robert Browning

Abide with us, O wondrous guest!
A stranger still, though long possessed;
Our hearts thy love unknown desire,
And marvel how the sacred fire
Should burn within us while we stray
From that sad spot where Jesus lay.

So when our youth, through bitter loss
Or hopes deferred, draws near the cross,
We lose the Lord our childhood knew
And God's own word may seem untrue;
Yet Christ himself shall soothe the way
Towards the evening of our day.

And though we travel towards the west
'Tis still for toil, and not for rest;
No fate except that life is done;
At Emmaus is our work begun;
Then let us watch lest tears should hide
The Lord who journeys by our side.