Transformed – teen devotion – April 23, 2023
One truth shared: The Scriptures provides direction for life.
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:25-27
The Secret to Seeing Jesus
Three days after Jesus was crucified, two of his followers left Jerusalem and walked seven miles to a town called Emmaus. They traveled with a deep sadness because they thought Jesus was gone forever. Everything hurt.
Have you ever felt a sadness like that? Maybe someone you loved was suddenly taken from you. Perhaps you were betrayed by someone, and it felt like part of your heart was ripped away. Maybe you have been so angry over an injustice that it came out as sadness.
There can be times in your life when you feel a sadness that makes everything hurt. But even in those times, Jesus walks alongside you.
We know this because Jesus walked alongside the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus. The funny part is that they did not know he was standing next to them. Rather than popping the confetti and giving them a hug, Jesus did something unexpected.
He pointed them to the Scriptures.
He showed them from the Scriptures how the Messiah’s suffering and death were all part of a greater plan to redeem a world that was lost in sin.
Jesus walks alongside you in your sadness, though you will not always see him. He points you to the Scriptures that show how suffering and death are the result of mankind’s sinfulness. Yet from the very beginning, Scripture shows how God’s plan was not to eradicate sin by condemning sinners. His plan was to walk alongside sinners and have his Son take their place.
When you find yourself wandering through life because you’re not sure what God is doing, take note of who is by your side. Let God’s Word speak direction into your life, and you will see the bigger picture of God’s loving plan for you.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I believe you are with me in the times I need you the most. Help me to see you clearly through the Scriptures that teach me about you. Amen.
