Wouldn’t you agree that after a long day, there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm bath?
Even in just a few short minutes, the warmth begins to melt away any tension and negative feelings… And lost in that moment, all the troubles of our day are forgotten. Just thinking about it feels good, doesn’t it?
What if I told you that you don’t have to wait until the end of your day to experience that kind of comfort? And beyond a bath that soothes your physical body, you can experience one that renews and refreshes you from the inside out!
Let’s look at this beautiful story in Luke 24:13–35.
In this passage, two of Jesus’ disciples were feeling discouraged, hopeless, and confused after the Lord’s death. They had believed He was the Messiah who would save Israel (and them, too), but now that He had been crucified, they had given up all hope and were leaving Jerusalem for a place called Emmaus.
Seeing their discouragement, our Lord Jesus Himself drew near, walked alongside them, and began conversing with them about what was troubling their hearts. But they did not recognize Him.
Then something wonderful happened! As He began to unveil Himself to them in the Scriptures, their wearied hearts felt strangely warmed. They felt encouraged and revived, and they would not let the Lord stop sharing even after reaching their destination!
Now, isn’t it interesting that Emmaus actually means “warm baths” in Greek? In their own words, the two disciples exclaimed, “Did not our heart burn when He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” They had experienced a spiritual “warm bath” that washed away their discouragement and renewed their hearts with hope. In fact, they were so filled with life and strength that they walked all the way back to Jerusalem that very night to encourage the other disciples!
Beloved, here’s how you can experience the same refreshing and renewal of strength they did: by simply beholding Jesus in the Scriptures!
Each time you hear preaching that unveils Jesus and His finished work, each time you open your Bible and catch a glimpse of His heart of love for you, you are bathed in the warmth of His love and grace.
So, instead of allowing your mind to be occupied with the cares and troubles of the day, will you take a moment and allow your heart to be occupied with the person of Jesus? Just as He did for those two disciples, I believe our Lord Jesus Himself will draw near and meet you where you are to minister to you, lift you up, comfort you, and renew your heart with His hope!
This, my friend, is how you can rise above every care and discouragement!
Joseph Prince
