I wasn't on the Emmaus Road

The account of the two disciples travelling on the Emmaus road holds within it some captivating pictures. What a wonderful sermon they heard from 'stranger' who joined them that day. Why were they leaving Jerusalem when the news was spreading about the resurrection of Jesus? How wonderful to sit at the table and have the 'stranger' break unleavened bread only to leave them there and then. Luke 24 has the details on which the following poem is based.

I didn’t travel the Emmaus Road

 

I didn’t walk the Emmaus Road

Where two disciples strode,

Wondering about the news told

Of the Lord’s rising from the tomb,

And the joy replacing disciples’ gloom.

When joined by a stranger

Who asked “what news from Jerusalem?”

They talked of Christ’s resurrection.

The stranger then shared a lecture

About prophecies in their Scripture

Concerning the coming Messiah.

 

I wasn’t there at the Emmaus Road venue

Where those three shared in the menu.

It was the second day of Unleavened Bread

Celebrating a Nation redeemed from the dead,

Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage,

To become a Nation to do homage

To the Great ‘I Am’, and the Passover Lamb.

And remember their call to the Promised Land.

It was when the stranger broke the bread

They knew He was the Lamb of God,

Jesus the Messiah, risen from the dead,

 

 

Though He vanished from their sight,              

Eternal day has replaced Sin’s eternal night.

When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour

There's born within the heart a desire to sing

And gather together to remember Him

As the Passover Lamb, taking our place

 in agony, bearing our judgement and disgrace,

Destroying death's power by His sacrifice,
Fulfilling all of Heaven's demands for justice.
Now as the forgiven, we make the Communion time
Our testimony that Jesus is Lord and proclaim -
He is risen!
Christ Has risen from the dead

Hallelujah!

copyright Ray Hawkins

I wasn't at the resurrection

 

 

 

 

I wasn’t there that resurrection morn.

 

I wasn’t there that glorious Sunday morn
When, Jesus arose from the dead before the dawn.
Or sense how the soldiers felt as He drew near,
Causing them to retreat and cower in fear.
Soon, the message would be heard by one and all,
Jesus Christ is risen, now, in faith before Him fall!

Neither did I see Mary Magdalene’s

Joy at meeting Jesus, a beautiful scene,

But this I know, with eyes undimmed

I’ll behold Him, which His cross for me did win.

 No! I wasn’t there to be a witness to all this

But others were and their behaviour insists

That something had happened that day.

No threat, no sword, no loss would sway

From knowing, proclaiming Jesus’ worth,

Believing His kingdom will reign on earth.

The resurrection underpins their proclamation

And becomes our assurance on this confession

“I believe Jesus Christ is the risen Saviour, Lord,

In Him alone I trust, bow, worship and adore!”

 

©Ray Hawkins, February 2019.

 

 

 

I wasn't at Calvary.

I wasn’t there at Calvary.

I wasn’t there at Calvary
When the redemption prophecies,
Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 became a reality.
There the Lord, the great I AM
Became the Passover Lamb.
The crucifixion scene was merciless
But one thing astounds me, I confess
The silence of Jesus to Roman brutality

Inflicted by scourging, flaying and mockery.

 

                                                                                                                           

 

I wasn’t there so couldn’t hear

The whip, the fists nor the spears

Biting deep into Christ’s sinless flesh,

No curse, no cry, no sound of bitterness

Rose from His lips, or seen in His eyes

Aimed at those with orders to crucify.

Instead, from the cross was heard

“Forgive them Father” was His cry!

Then, in love’s victory, He died!

I wasn’t there at the crucifixion,

Nor felt the disciples deep desolation,

As hopes evaporated into desperation.

But, I am able to join their celebration

When, as foretold in word and allegory,

Jesus rose from the tomb in victory

Over Satan, Death’s curse and Sin’s shame.

Now forgiveness and newness can be claimed

By all who hear, believe and yield to His Name!

©Ray Hawkins

February 2019.

 Next week...I wasn't there at the resurrection