Christ Constrained to Abide
B. Beddome, M. A. Luke 24:13-35 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs.… I. CHRIST'S PRESENCE IS EXCEEDINGLY DESIRABLE TO THE SAINTS. This appears from their earnest desires after it, and their sorrows when deprived of it. 1. The presence of Christ is an evidence of His love. Fellowship is the fruit of friendship. 2. Christ's presence is attended with the most desirable effects; none can enjoy it without deriving the greatest advantages from it. It conveys light into the understanding, as well as warmth into the affections; so that in proportion to the measure of Christ's revealing Himself to us will he the measure of our profiting in the knowledge of Him. 3. Present communion with Christ is an earnest of everlasting fruition. II. A SEEMINGLY DEPARTING SAVIOUR MAY BE CONSTRAINED, AS IT WERE, TO ABIDE WITH HIS PEOPLE. Speaking after the manner of men, there are three ways of constraining Christ to abide with us. 1. By the exercise of a lively faith. 2. By fervent prayer. 3. By a suitable conduct towards Him. If we would have Christ abide with us, we must do what we can to delight Him and make His stay pleasant. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. WEB: Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.