Two weeks ago when we were studying the word of God together in our small house church, a lady was so intrigued by story of Ruth that she went home that evening and read the book of Ruth at one go. “It is the first time in my life when I have actually sought for a Bible to read it. After reading it I was so amazed at God that I told my friend the next day that she had to join the next church meeting to finish the learning about the story of Ruth.”
This simple testimony from the lady reminded me of Luke 24:32-35, where we learn of the phrase “Did not our hearts burn within us?”. The text should be a familiar story of two men’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Not only did they meet with the resurrected Jesus, they were able to learn from Jesus face to face. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he (Jesus) interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27 ESV)
After their encounter with Jesus, they both realised that they were feeling excited and have an impulse in their hearts. That impulse and excitement was aptly explained by them like a burning in their hearts. The excitement of wanting to share and impart our testimony of God usually accompanies any true encounter with God, His Word, or things spiritual. Do we also have experiences of our hearts burning within us?
“And they rose at that same hour and returned to Jerusalem” (Luke 24:33 ESV) This is the effect of people with a burning heart experience. They cannot wait to share the goodness of God. They do not keep these experiences to themselves. From Luke 24:13 we learn that Emmaus is actually seven miles (about 11 km) away from Jerusalem. And to return back to Jerusalem at once, travelling the whole seven miles again is nothing compared to having the joy of sharing their experience and encounter with Jesus to the disciples and those assembled together with them. We can also remember the eagerness of the Samaritan woman, who after her soul inspiring meeting with Jesus at the well, left her water pot, went her way into the city to persuade people to come and meet Him. (John 4:28-30)
The saving grace of God should always lead to a true inward experience where we feel a rush and excitement in our hearts to proclaim His glory through joyous testimonies. Do we have fresh testimonies of how the Lord is at work in our lives? Are we ready to share with the people around us?
Brother Samuel Lim
