Coffee With The Lord

WHEN “HEARTBURN” IS GOOD!!!

Many have experienced “heartburn that is bad” – unpleasant, painful, usually caused by something spicy or acidy… often treated by an antiacid or other medication.

But there is a case of “heartburn” that is GOOD!!! I read about it this morning in the Bible – a worth read – Luke 24:13-27…

It’s right after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus… Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James had witnessed to an empty tomb and its explanation – Jesus was risen! The response? Unbelief!!!

Two disciples of Jesus have heard the incredible story. They are walking to a nearby village and discussing what they had heard. It was incredible – unbelievable!!! The risen Jesus shows up – He walks along with them and listens to their conversation. “Their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.” Jesus listens to their explanation of what had happened and then chimes in…

“’Oh foolish ones and slow of hear to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?’ And then beginning with Moses and all of the prophets He interpreted to them in all the Scripture the things concerning Himself.’” (Vss. 25-27)

What a Bible study that must have been!!! In fact, I jotted this in the margin of my Bible this morning: “As a Christian and student of Scripture I would have loved to have sat in on that teaching – that conversation!!!” Imagine it – an absolutely awesome Bible study led by our Savior, the Risen Lord – Jesus Christ!!!

So they invite Him to “hang out” with them a while. Dinner is served and Jesus takes the initiative… “He took the bread, blessed it, and broke it and gave it to them… And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him!” (Vss. 30-31) And then He vanished!

So then they begin to reflect on their experience… “They said to each other, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?!” (Vs. 32) There, you’ve got it… A GOOD CASE OF HEARTBURN!

Hey, I’ve experienced it – and perhaps you have as well! You’re reading or studying the Bible, or participating in an “anointed” Bible study, or hearing a message that explains and applies God’s wonderful word… The Holy Spirit shows up and makes the truth incredibly real and personal to you… AND YOUR HEART BURNS!!! (in a good way) and your life is transformed!!!

Believe me I want more of that kind of “heartburn!” Here’s a prayer Apostle Paul prayed:

“I do not cease to pray for you, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.’ (Ephesians 1:16–21 ESV)

Oh Lord do it – answer that prayer! Do it again – give me a “GOOD CASE OF HEARTBURN!”