Notices 19th April 2026
A special welcome to everyone joining us in worship at Kingston today.
Luke 24:13-35
“Were not our hearts burning within us?”v32 A few weeks ago, we tried to redeem Thomas from the stigma of a very small part of his otherwise exemplary career. This next bit of the story, set on the road to Em- maus, almost has the same plot; that it is hard to accept someone’s testimony of an unfathomable event unless you experience it yourself. Today the doubter is Cleo- pas; “Doubting Cleopas” and his un-named “Doubting Friend” who are trying to make sense of the recent events as they wander. Suddenly, a supposed stranger invites himself into the conversation. As they walk, this stranger, who we know to be no stranger at all (Shhhh), helps them frame their experience of the past few days using scripture and quoting from the prophets. They probably talked for hours. Then, as their ‘stranger’ (wink wink), breaks bread at the table with them, “their eyes were open…” v31.
Why was it hard for the disciples to accept the resurrection when they witnessed signs and wonders every day that they followed Jesus for the good part of three years? And yet we still wonder why those who we witness to, still find it hard to ac- cept our testimony.
One thing I know from this scripture though, is that Jesus is present in the breaking of bread. This is the moment where His presence is revealed, despite the fact that it is there all the time and never not there...
I know this not just from the testimony of the scriptures but also from experience. The Lord who is Emmanuel, God with us, reveals Himself to us, even when we doubt.
He invites us to His table…just as we are!
Rev. Michael Duke
Your opportunity to gather together as the movement of Common Grace!
We are excited to have the opportunity again in 2026 to gather face-to-face as our movement of Common Grace at Community Connection Events being held in Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Adelaide.
