When the two disciples reached Emmaus and sat down to their evening meal, the mysterious stranger who had so enchanted them on the road took bread, broke it, revealed himself as Jesus—and then vanished from their sight.

They had constrained him to stay because night was falling. But now? Though it was much later, their love became a lamp to their feet—yes, wings also! They forgot the darkness. Their weariness was all gone. Forthwith they journeyed back the seven miles to Jerusalem to tell the gladsome news: the risen Lord had appeared to them on the road!

And when they burst through the door where the Christians were gathered, they were met with a burst of joyful news before they could tell their own tale. Everyone was already talking, everyone had something to share. These early believers were all on fire to speak of Christ's resurrection. They made common property of their experiences.

This evening let their example impress us deeply. We too must bear our witness concerning Jesus. Think about it: John's account of the sepulchre needed to be supplemented by Peter. Mary could speak of something further still. Combined, we have a full testimony from which nothing can be spared.

We have each of us peculiar gifts and special manifestations. But the one object God has in view is the perfecting of the whole body of Christ. We must therefore bring our spiritual possessions and lay them at the apostle's feet, and make distribution unto all of what God has given to us.

Keep back no part of the precious truth! Speak what you know! Testify what you have seen! Let not the toil or darkness, or possible unbelief of your friends, weigh one moment in the scale.

Up, and be marching to the place of duty! And there tell what great things God has shown to your soul.