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One of my favorite post-resurrection stories is “The Road to Emmaus.” (Luke 24:13-35)

I’ve shared on occasion my thoughts on the painting with the same title, in which the artist shows the      disciples in postures of amazement as they listen to Jesus tell them about Himself and what He has        accomplished; beginning with Moses.

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“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road while He opened to us the                  Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

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Have you ever had someone tell you a story so vividly that you are spellbound? There are some          storytellers that can keep you in rapt attention— sometimes for hours! I think of Garrison Keillor or Patrick McManus.

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But here we have the Author and Giver of life - Jesus Himself - telling the story. Burning hearts. Longing hearts. Lonely hearts. Breaking hearts - met and ministered to by the One who knows every heart.

When was the last time someone told you the story of Jesus by telling you their own story - how Jesus met them and transformed their life?

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Gospel hymns and songs tell the Savior’s story weekly. We’ve sung them many times. Sometimes when I’m singing a hymn or song I am struck by the power and majesty of Jesus as well as His love and compassion; such as “I Love to Tell the Story,” “Lift High the Cross” or “Jesus Paid it All.”  These (and others like them) incorporate themselves into the very fabric of faith story and journey. They help            encourage us in our witnessing and provide comfort when we need a faith lift.

We are in the midst of our mid-week  Bible study entitled: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” in which we sing well-known hymns during our opening: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling,” “Amazing Grace,”  “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “Open My Eyes that I May See,” “How Great Thou Art.” Each hymn tells a story from the writer’s heart.

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I cut my teeth on “I Love to Tell the Story,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “There’s a Stranger at the Door, Let Him In,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and more. Maybe you have a favorite one? Read the words and ask yourself: “What is the story? What is the hymn/song saying to me? What does it say I should believe and do?” What is/are the Scripture passages? How does it bring hope, peace, confidence and faith into your situation in life? Does it tell you about Jesus and His love for you? Does it remind you that you are saved through the blood of Jesus? Does it convey forgiveness of your sins?

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Some of the best theology is in our hymnology and songs. The writers penned those words sometimes from deep despair or resounding hope.

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Choose a hymn and let it speak to you. It certainly has a story to tell!

 

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Pastor Fred Westerhold