“Some…have a great gift in conference.”
–William Bridge
Jesus met the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and eventually offered them a stinging rebuke and some sanctified reasoning. (Luke 24 and see last week’s devotional) That is to say, he accused them of being “slow of heart to believe” and he “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Jesus was a master of conference. His complete knowledge of the Scriptures, his thorough understanding of the human heart combined with his unfathomable love make his every encounter with human beings a master course in the art and science of conference.
The meeting between Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a ready example. Before Jesus rebukes and reminds, he questions. He does not rush into an answer or launch into a lecture but he invites the two disciples to unburden themselves: “Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ And he said to them, ‘What things?’” (Luke 24:15-19) He invites them to fill him in on the events of the past few days. He wants to hear the story from their lips. He wants to know how their hearts are connected to the narrative that God has recently been authoring. Wow! And after they unburden themselves, he guides them toward a better understanding. One that is filled with Scripture and leaves them with hope.
I can’t think of a better description of the effectiveness of conference. Jesus drew near to the disciples. He asked a few discerning questions which both diagnosed their spiritual condition and pointed toward himself. He listened intensely and lovingly. He answered them by applying the Scripture to the particulars of their current circumstance. He left them greatly encouraged and energized to tell others about their encounter with him. How much healthier would every believer and every church be if our encounters with each other followed a similar approach? Are you hungry for that kind of encounter? I know I am. Let’s pursue him together! See you Sunday and have a blessed rest of your week.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale