FACING THE DAWNLuke 24:13-35

He Is Risen

Going from Jerusalem to Emmaus, the disciples were literally heading west, literally facing the sunset. After their encounter with Christ, they turned

around and went back to Jerusalem, facing east, facing the dawn.

Until Christ rose from the dead, all humanity faced west, faced the sunset.

Now, like them, we may turn about and face east, facing the dawn.

IT MEANT THE DAWNING OF A NEW DAY.

Literally, it was a new day. Was it by chance that He arose in the morning? Perhaps, and yet the poet in us finds it fitting.

For the disciples, it was a new day. They go from hiding behind closed doors to

striding across the world with the gospel. They go from huddling together in despair to

scattering everywhere in joyous evangelism. They go from weeping over a lost cause to

shouting over a wonderful victory!

IT MEANT THE DAWNING OF A NEW DAY.

For us, it was a new day. The resurrection speaks of continuing

victories. As some flowers grow best when placed to get

the morning sun, so churches grow best when facing the dawn!

The world's misery, gloom, and despair give way to new hope and joy.

IT MEANT THE LEARNING OF A NEW LESSON.

God's plan included redemptive suffering. God's plan can never be thwarted. God's plan is advanced by the very things

that seem to defeat it. Our lives are a part of God's plan.

IT MEANT THE CONFIRMING OF AN OLD HOPE.

It is mankind's oldest hope. It is mankind's most universal hope.

Hope – Love and be loved- Know We are accepted- Know we are changed!

Without the resurrection, it is mankind's most fragile hope.

With the resurrection, it is mankind's most virile hope.

Conclusion

Now the mournful voices of despair can no must give way to the triumphant voices of victory: Victory in Jesus!