“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” – Luke 24:13-15

In our study of the Scriptures, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that Biblical accounts we read involved real people in real life situations. God authors the miraculous, but He often uses perfectly normal circumstances, and people, to do so, and when you have that as your mindset, then the scenes you encounter will more resemble a home movie than a visit to the art museum.

In that context, I would like to “normalize” the scene referenced above. The story is a well-known one. Two unknown followers of Jesus leaving Jerusalem, walking to the village of Emmaus in the wake of their Master’s crucifixion. They are sad, even despondent, and are commiserating with each other as they walk. Then these words, “Jesus himself drew near and went with them.”

I read those words and want to know more. I want to know how Jesus “drew near” to them. Did He meet them on the way? Was He coming from Emmaus such that they just happened to bump into each other on the road? It may seem a senseless, even needless, consideration, but I think not. I think Jesus was actually going the same direction they were going. I think He would have been with His disciples in Jerusalem and left them to have an encounter with these two despondent men. He was going the same direction they were going, but He did not leave at the same time they did. So, they were ahead of Him, and perhaps even significantly ahead of Him. And if that is the case, how did He “draw near.”

Well, in my imagination – and perhaps in reality – He ran to catch them! It’s really not that hard to imagine, is it? Would it not be just like a Good Shepherd to run to save one (or two) of His sheep? Is it not an equivalent image to a loving father seeing his prodigal son in the distance and joyfully running to greet him? What’s a little extra perspiration to the One who bore on His own shoulders the sin of the world…?

If there is some matter of heartbreak with which you are dealing now, consider the image of a God who runs to offer comfort and support to those who are the objects of His love. He is, of course, the sovereign King who sits on the throne of the universe, but He is also the One who runs to envelope in His loving arms those whose hearts are pained and broken. What an incredible Savior Jesus is! You can trust your broken heart and your life, to Him…

Eddie Benton

Chairman of the Board

DAYBREAK DEVOTIONALS: Tuesdays from 12:30pm-1:30pm. Join us August 6, 13, 20, 27 for a time of fellowship, Bible study, and prayer at Daybreak LifeCare Center. August's theme is "Building Materials". Each person who attends the Tuesday Daybreak Devotionals afternoon meetings in August will receive TWO packs of diapers for their 0-24 month-old child or grandchild. DOUBLE DIAPER DAY!

ABORTION RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY & SUPPORT GROUP: Monday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm, beginning September 9. Contact Lori at lori@daybreakcola.org or 803-771-6634 ext 404 to register. Space is limited. All inquiries are confidential.

DAYBREAK 5K WALK/RUN – SAVE THE DATE: Saturday October 12 at Saluda Shoals Park. 8am Registration and 9am Walk/Run. Stay tuned for more information on our webpage: https://daybreakcola.org/get-involved/.

"On a gloomy spring morning in 1979, my boyfriend and I drove to a Columbia, SC abortion clinic. I was 17 years old, scared and confused as to what that day would hold.

"After signing several forms giving my permission to end my pregnancy, I was led into a room where nine other women sat… waiting.

"When my name was called, I was taken to the procedure room. After a few minutes of prep by the nurse, a doctor came into the room, never spoke to me, but asked the nurse if I was ready. She said yes. As the procedure began, the pain became intense, bringing me to uncontrolled sobbing. The nurse held my hand and said, “It’ll be okay. It will all be over in just a few minutes.” Little did I know then that her statement would be one of the biggest lies I would ever be told."

"My father left when I was two. My mother had just had stillborn twins. We were living with my mom's parents. Maybe my mother suffered from postpartum depression or she just didn't have the mom gene. My grandmother was not happy about being saddled with a two-year-old.

"My mother got a job 40 miles from where we lived and didn't drive. She stayed all week away with roommates and was only home on weekends. Her life was her job. She did learn to drive later, but still she left me pretty much to my grandmother to raise.

"Looking back, I decided I was an orphan child of living parents. I was desperate to be loved by someone.

"At 13, I looked 17. Lost my virginity at 15. Steady boyfriend. I got pregnant over Christmas holiday 1972. The baby's father had moved on to another more popular girl.

"My mother's only comment was, "How could you do this to me?" The baby's grandfather arranged for me to get an abortion out of state. March 1973. Ironically, in the city where I was born. I was never able to have children after.

"I said all that to say this: That decision to abort my baby has haunted me my whole life. I am 69 and I still grieve. Until the Lord directed me to Daybreak and its Abortion Recovery Bible Study, SaveOne, I couldn't even say the word "abortion." Going through the process with the Bible Study facilitators and the other women in the group who shared my secret gave me healing. It was the hardest and best thing I've ever done.

"Thank you Daybreak and SaveOne! My heart is with any woman who finds herself in the same situation. Scared, alone and nowhere to turn. You have someone to stand with you and a resource in Daybreak that I did not have. Please, let them help you and your baby."