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When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24: 30–32

When I began studying my Bible with a group of women through Bible Study Fellowship, I started with the book of Revelation, an experience I like to describe using a quote from the film Blades of Glory: “No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative.” 

As my group studied, some said, “We have the Bible and the Holy Spirit! We won’t be confused!” But I disagreed. 

When I studied Psychology, I read multiple studies about people’s abilities to make judgments. And—spoiler alert—we’re not good at it. Even in this passage, the disciples didn’t immediately recognize Christ. And if the people who walked with Jesus made this mistake, what might I miss? I waited for God to answer.

After Revelation, I moved on to the book of John, and I also learned I was pregnant. Things seemed good, yet, my stomach dropped when I reached chapter 10: “His sheep follow him because they know his voice … My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

“But what if I’m a dumb sheep?” I thought.

When my son was born, like many women in the United States, I sustained a birth injury. But after all the uncertainty of labor, the medical staff laid a healthy baby boy on my chest.

I was so excited to meet him! And I’d like to tell you that I said something wise, but instead, I exclaimed, “Hi!” He responded by tipping his back and so his eyes met mine.

I wish you could have witnessed my awe when I understood that my son knew my voice. 

Sometimes, having faith feels a lot like waiting to be born, because this world can be dark. Through our worship, study, and practice, we make and share little pockets of light. They give us a way to understand a relationship with Christ. And I pray that when that day comes, and each day after, you’ll turn to Him with all the awe of a newborn.

Next Steps

• What was turning to Christ like for you? 
• Each day we have the opportunity to interact with others, even if it is just in passing. What are you saying to them? When you leave them, what example will they have of Christ?`

21 Days of Prayer

Jesus, help me see You in the ordinary and unexpected moments of my life. Help my heart be sensitive to Your stirring and my ears be sensitive to Your voice. Help me encourage others with how You’re speaking and moving in my life. (Luke 24:28–35)

References 

• Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases. Science, 185(4157), 1124–1131.
• https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~schaller/Psyc590Readings/TverskyKahneman1974.pdf
• https://www.npr.org/2017/12/22/572298802/nearly-dying-in-childbirth-why-preventable-complications-are-growing-in-u-s