I remember heartburn well. That awful cascading wave upon wave tight squeeze in the chest as a fierce digestion battle took place and regurgitation threatened with every wave. In the third trimesters of my pregnancies, I experienced awful heartburn episodes. Those were encounters that I do not wish repeated, ever.

Heartburn of a very different kind. From an encounter they wished would never end.

This morning's devotional reflection talked about heart burns.

Two Middle Eastern men, deeply troubled by the day's extraordinary events, are joined on the road by a fellow traveler. They talk, sharing experiences and views. The ordinary traveler listens, engages in the conversation. Things heat up. Voices begin to rise. The man espouses his understanding with rising fervency. Hearts start to beat fast. Their words choke in their throats as minds churn from what they’re hearing.

The other two listen in rapt attention, their troubled thoughts increasingly silenced by the man's incredible knowledge. Too captivating to end abruptly, they urge him stay for a meal together. They order. The food arrives. They could feel the heat inside even as he spoke. Their hearts begin to burn. And they hadn't even begun eating!!

The man gives thanks for the food. Serves them. Instant recognition dawns. But the man disappears.

"They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

Heartburn of a very different kind. From an encounter they wished would never end. From paying rapt attention to the espousing of Scriptures by the Lord Himself, the very Risen dead. Jesus Christ, dead for two thousand years. Yet His words continue to cause hearts to burn, transforming lives. Because He was Risen unto Eternity. Life over death!

Did not our hearts burn at Good Friday service in church last week when Tim Bergmann recounted by memory from the Bible Jesus’ final words on His last day on earth?

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)

Would that I will listen with rapt undivided attention and would that my heart will continue to burn with unwavering belief and willing obedience as the Holy Spirit opens up God's Word day after day after day.

Reflecting on heartburn of an extraordinary kind.

April 20/17
lzchua