Sunday Sermon: Journey of Healing, May 2nd, 2021

Sunday Sermon at the Grateful Church (UPCI) in Phoenix, Arizona

Journey of Healing

Jesus is a friend in our journey of healing from hopelessness to hope, sadness to the celebration, and from mourning to dancing. He is our rock in a weary place and a shelter in our storm. He is a friend in the process and through His compassion and model, we see what God is like so that we can know what God wants us to be like to others in times of grieves and sadness. He listens to our grieves, sorrows, fears, and pains to guide us to a place of comfort and peace through His word. Loving and caring for the things of God is a critical component of our healing process. It allows the words of God to affect us deeply to inspire faith and behavioral changes necessary for healing to occur in our lives.

Luke 24:12-20

12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulcher; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; he vanished out of their sight.

32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them

34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to Simon.

35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

When in doubt know that Jesus is nearer.

1. He is the miracle worker. He hears and listens to our fears, anxieties, pains, grieves, and sorrows. And lets us mourn our loss.

2. But doubt hides His face that we could not recognize or discern His presence or power.

3. The doubt of the two disciples created a situation where Jesus, their healing, and miracle were outwardly present but inwardly absent and not manifested in their lives.

Our hearts burn when Jesus is in there.

1. Signs and miracle follow:

   1. When our hearts are kindle with the fire of the Holy Spirit and the burning sensation of the word of God. Moses, Jeremiah, 3-Hebrew Children, Ezekiel, etc

   2. When we received the revelation of Jesus and our heart enlightened. The disciples recognized Jesus at the dinner table, in the breaking of bread.

   3. When we believe. The knowledge of Jesus inspired their faith and sense of mission to go comfort others with the story of Jesus’ resurrection, to their sorrows into joy, and mourning to dancing.

Point of contact with your miracle.

When we care, words of Jesus will affect us deeply,

1. Enough to put aside our sadness and grieve to recognized He was there all the time.

2. To know that He will be a friend through the JOURNEY as we heal from sadness to celebration and mourning to dancing.