Celebration of the Father

“Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?” One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?” He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?” They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”” (Luke‬ ‭24:13-18, 25-27, 32-34‬ ‭WEB‬‬)

Did you ever wonder why out of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, only one of them was named while the other remained anonymous?

Therefore, I believe that the name “Cleopas” is crucial to understanding the significance of this passage.

Cleopas is an abbreviated form of the name Cleopatros, made of the two Greek words “kleos” (to celebrate) and pater (father). Cleopas means “celebration of the father”.

Let us see what Jesus did in the passage. He told the two discouraged disciples all about the things concerning Himself in the Old Testament Scriptures, and how He fulfilled them all at the cross.

It was a celebration of the Father, praising Him for His glorious plan of salvation that was once hidden and is now revealed through the prophets, apostles, and the other writers of the Scriptures.

When Jesus celebrated the Father with the two disciples, their hearts “burned”, likely with faith, hope, and love in response to the love and grace of God. They experienced an “Emmaus” (meaning: hot springs) in their hearts, washing away the unbelief and refreshing their spirits.

They were no longer depressed and despondent. Instead, they were filled with hope, and energized in their bodies and souls. Having just walked a long way from Jerusalem to Emmaus, they immediately set off on a journey back to announce the good news they had seen and heard.

This world needs “Cleopas”—a celebration of the Father. They need to hear about a Father God who is gracious and full of love, who freely offers salvation through Jesus Christ His Son. They need to hear that He wants to be a Father near to them and not a Judge far off; that He is reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus, welcoming them home.

“But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:18-21‬ ‭WEB‬‬)

Anytime you are feeling down, you can initiate a celebration of the Father. It will cleanse you from unbelief, refresh your spirit, fill your heart with hope, and energize your body and soul!

If you are new to reading the four gospels for yourself, or you have some questions about difficult passages in there, I would like to recommend you read my four-ebook bundle called “Understand the Four Gospels Through the Lens of Grace”.

As you read it, many confusing pieces of Scripture will be unlocked to you, and things that used to scare you will be read in the right light. Order the bundle and you can download and read it right away:
https://bit.ly/understandeveryparable

Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills has been awarded a Michelin star in the 2021 edition of the prestigious MICHELIN Guide California – a warm congratulations to the entire team, including Head Chef Mattia Agazzi, pastry chef Tamara Rigo, sous-chef Vanessa Chiu and Restaurant Director Christian Philippo. The achievement follows on the heels of Gucci Osteria’s flagship in Florence, helmed by Head Chef Karime López, receiving its first star in the 2020 MICHELIN Guide Italy.

“While it has been a very challenging time for the entire hospitality industry, the team has remained focused, united and driven to create dishes of style and substance. This Award proves that teamwork is the recipe for success!” – Mattia Agazzi

Taiwan's economy remained in growth mode in August for the seventh consecutive month, amid recovering domestic consumption, as concerns eased over a domestic #COVID19 outbreak, the National Development Council said Monday.
https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202109270019

How to write Kimigayo with gold brush | His Imperial Majesty's Reign | The national anthem of Japan

"Kimigayo" (君が代, Japanese pronunciation: [kimiɡajo]; "His Imperial Majesty's Reign") is the national anthem of Japan. The lyrics of "Kimigayo" are probably the oldest among the world's national anthems, and with a length of 32 characters, they are also the world's shortest. The lyrics are from a waka poem written by an unnamed author in the Heian period (794–1185), and the current melody was chosen in 1880, replacing an unpopular melody composed by John William Fenton eleven years earlier. Its length of 11 measures is currently among the world's shortest. While the title "Kimigayo" is usually translated as "His Imperial Majesty's Reign", no official translation of the title or lyrics has been established in law.

From 1888 to 1945, "Kimigayo" served as the national anthem of the Empire of Japan. When the Empire was dissolved following its surrender at the end of World War II, the State of Japan succeeded it in 1945. This successor state was a parliamentary democracy, and the polity therefore changed from a system based on imperial sovereignty to one based on popular sovereignty. However, the U.S. occupation forces allowed Emperor Hirohito to retain the throne and "Kimigayo" remained the de facto national anthem. The passage of the Act on National Flag and Anthem in 1999 recognized it as the official national and imperial anthem.
(From Wikipedia)

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Air Buster is a 1990 horizontal-scrolling shooter arcade game developed by Kaneko. It was published by Namco in Japan and Sharp Image Electronics in North America. Two players control the "Blaster Fighter" star ships in their efforts to destroy a mysterious mechanical fortress orbiting Earth, with plans to take control of the planet. The Blaster Fighters can equip one of seven available weapons, which will change the ship's firepower and abilities, such as diagonal shots, homing missiles and small drones that follow the player's ship.

Air Buster received a favorable reception for its visuals, sound effects and gameplay, although complaints were directed at the difficulty, which was deemed "too easy" by numerous publications. Ports of the game were released for both the TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Genesis, the former being renamed to Aero Blasters for international releases. The Sega Genesis release was ported over to the "Project EGG" digital storefront in 2014, which remained exclusive to Japan. A version for the Sharp X68000 was in development but never released

(個人通關548)

While Rex Tso is often hailed Hong Kong’s most famous super flyweight boxer, Tyson Ng has also caught the spotlight as an up-and-coming pugilist.

With 11 years in boxing, Ng harvested several Hong Kong Open Tournament championships even during his amateur days. Since turning professional in 2016, he has remained unbeatable after winning nine consecutive tournaments – the best performance ever made by a 150-pound-plus pugilist in Hong Kong history. The 31-year-old also has four championships under his belt, including the World Boxing Council ABCO Continental Middleweight Champion and the 2018 Thai Middleweight Champion, making him the first Hongkonger who has earned both titles.

https://hk.appledaily.com/feature/20210523/RKYDHZ3MJ5E5ZEPJFW3FVUQ44E/

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