“Did not our Heart Burn within Us?”
By A. M. Lindsley
So said the two disciples of Jesus after he had traveled with them to Emmaus, and made himself known to them in the breaking of bread. Their hearts were sad at the loss of their Master and Lord,—he who they supposed would have delivered Israel. While their hopes seemed blasted, he comforted their hearts by rehearsing those scriptures which speak of him, and explained them to their understanding. Their hearts warmed as they were again encouraged by the fulfillment of those passages which speak definitely of his advent, death, and work of redemption. But still they did not perceive that it was he that was speaking. Their eyes were holden, for, says another writer, “he appeared to them in another form.” They had been looking for a king in the line of David. Their hopes had been well-nigh fulfilled, as they thought; but now how great their disappointment! They failed in not understanding that which was written. They had need of the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, which Jesus promised them they should have. When that came, the veil was taken away and they were able to expound with a clearness and power which convinced their hearers by the thousand. The years that were to intervene between the first and second advents, have nearly expired; and from the same source of light we are looking for him; for he said plainly, “I will come again.” When the first angel’s message first sounded in our hearing, and the Scriptures began to unfold to our understanding, how our hearts burned within us at the glorious news of his speedy coming; but we too were the subjects of a disappointment nearly as bitter as his disciples’ at the first. It is true, we did not see him literally crucified before our eyes, but there was not wanting the bitter hate that might have sought his life had he been present. Since that disappointment, the seeming difficulties have been reconciled, and we are again encouraged to believe that our Deliverer is at hand. Our hearts again burn within us, as we feel that we shall not again be disappointed, while we are led by the light now shining so clearly from the sacred page. God is indeed in the work. How much reason have we to be glad! Remembering the words of Jesus, we will lift up our heads and rejoice, for the time of our redemption is near, even at the doors. Earth’s history is a sad and bitter one. Man, from the effects of sinfulness and depravity, has not reflected much the character of his Creator; but the scene is about to change; the day of glory is soon to dawn upon us. Old things will pass away. “He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” “Our hearts burn within us” at the prospect. Then, from valley to hill-top, from sea to sea, let the glorious refrain be sounded,—Jesus is coming! He is coming!! HE IS COMING!!!