Healing for our Disappointments

Notes from my sermon for Sunday, May 8, 2011

The two disciples who walked along the road to Emmaus that first Easter afternoon (Luke 24) were, among other things, disappointed that Jesus had not done what they expected He would.  He let them down; He didn't come through for them; He failed them.  But the healing Jesus brought for them He offers to all who feel disappointed by God, if we choose to take advantage of His gifts:

Scripture was the framework for their healing.  In Amish country, the first thing the barn-builders put up is the frame, and the walls and roof are attached to that.  The frame is most important, because it gives structure and support to everything else.  But barn-builders don't stop with the frame, and Jesus didn't stop at explaining Scripture to those disciples.

Eating a meal in the presence of Jesus was also part of their healing.  I don't know about you, but some of the saddest funerals I've conducted are the ones where the small group of mourners gathers at the graveside, then after the interment they just kind of fade away.  Over the years I've seen that a better healing takes place when they all gather somewhere for lunch, conversation, remembering and catching up.  The simple act of eating a meal togther is not only good for the body, but good for the heart and soul as well.

Eating Jesus' meal is part of healing, too.  Although scholars may argue about whether the meal those disciples ate with Jesus was The Lord's Supper or just a hint at it, there's no doubt that coming to the Table of the Lord Jesus, eating His Body given for us, and drinking His Blood poured out for us, is not only for forgiveness of our sins but for healing all our griefs and sorrows - including our disappointments with God.

And finally, the "mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren," as Luther called it in his Smalcald Articles.  The way the disciples rejoiced together when they recognized that it had been Jesus with them.  The way they recalled together how their hearts burned as they walked along the road.  The way they ran back to Jerusalem, burst in on the other disciples, excitedly compared notes on His appearances to them.  There was grace in those encounters, grace for healing their disappointments and sorrows.

And there is grace and love for us, also, when we are disappointed with God.  Grace and love in His Word.  Grace and love when we fellowship together.  Grace and love at His Table.  Grace and love as we gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ for the comfort and healing that we can provide each other.

If you've ever been disappointed with God, or for any healing you may need, come to His Word, His Table, the fellowship of His children, and the consolation and conversation we give to one another - in these places you will find the healing you seek.