^“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ^And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.” – Luke 24:13-17 [ESV]

A new year is soon upon us.  Lots of people will be making resolutions.  Lots of them will be breaking resolutions.  January 1 is always a grand milestone to turn a new leaf, drop an old habit, build a new habit, change, grow… 

Personally, I do not like New Year’s resolutions.  I think that is because I tend to fall firmly into the “breaking resolutions” column.  Diets started and stopped (I still can’t believe that Miracle Liver and Asparagus Diet didn’t last), plans drawn out and never followed…  You get the idea.

Still, I am setting goals and making plans for 2013.  But, as I do, I am keeping myself conscious of the two on the road to Emmaus. Why?  Because they were walking along, talking about Jesus and the astounding events they had just witnessed.  And they were so into what they saw with their eyes that when the unbelievable happened – when Jesus Christ Himself walked with them – they did recognize Him.

For Cleopas and his traveling companion, it was sorrow that kept them from recognizing Christ.  They were so saddened by what they had witnessed, so sure of the obvious outcome of the events they were just walking away from, that the very notion that Jesus Christ would walk beside them was simply beyond their comprehension.  Their faith – that ability to believe what is unseen, impossible – was dampened.  All they could believe was what they had seen.

Lots of junk in life can blind us to the reality of faith.  Worry, anxiety, fear, sorrow, loss, guilt, shame, illness… life situations, when focused upon with undue intensity, will blind us to the reality of Jesus Christ and the joy, peace and grace we find in Him.

As 2013 approaches, let’s all resolve to keep looking through eyes of faith, firmly fixed above on the Lord God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  As we make our plans, leave room for God to work.  As we face our life situations, let us do so boldly knowing that what we see with our eyes and perceive with our minds is a distorted view.  God is truth.  So seek Him and His Word if you want to know the truth about your life.  The Lord transcends our situations. 

Love God above all.  Love one another.  Trust in the Lord and do good.  Aim high and know God brings the results.  We simply need to be faithful and obedient.

© 2012 Chris Courtney.  Please feel free to share this article with anyone you think would be blessed and uplifted!  And please share this blog with others.  Thank you!!