Student Wellbeing

Out of Lockdown & Closing the Gap

In the Bible book of Luke chapter 24, we see a time of rapid social, political and economic change where people’s expectations of the future were cut off. People’s hopes were challenged by circumstances which were in many cases out of their control. In this environment, after the crucifixion of Jesus, two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem towards a town called Emmaus. They were perplexed, questioning and searching for meaning. 

It is in this situation that the risen Jesus Christ joined them on the journey and asked them what they were talking about? 

They were disappointed in Jesus because they “had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Verse 21) from the hand of their oppressors (Israel was a Vassal state of Rome) and did not recognise that it was Him talking to them.

They were living in their own lockdown of sadness and disappointment and had created a gap in what they believed.

As Jesus walked with them, He brings them out of their discouragement by exploring, 

● The Way they believed (vs.25) He said to them not to be slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken concerning Himself. Sadness and grief can sometimes distort what we already know to be true. That is why it is wise to not make major decisions when we are depressed.

● What they believed. He pointed them to the scripture and explained that they foretold that these things would happen. When things are explained to us it helps us to make better decisions even in the midst of difficulty.

●With whom they believed. The longer they spent with Jesus and each other the more their eyes were opened to the reality of what was happening. It is important to encourage and be encouraged by others.

As we too, come out of lockdown not knowing everything about the future, we can have the kind of  faith and belief that prepares us for whatever comes our way. Here is a poem that I came across a number of years ago called “GOD KNOWS”

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied: 

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

Graeme Klix

Pastoral Care Worker