He put on the bunny suit every Easter and had fun with the kids as they hunted and found Easter eggs. There were lots of laughs and giggles as the big bunny talked with them. Some would ask if he really was the Easter bunny while others wanted him to help them find more eggs. Much fun was had and a couple of generations of kids still have fond memories of the big bunny that showed up every year.

Only a few folks in town knew who donned the bunny suit every Easter. Part of the goal was to maintain the magic of the Easter bunny for the youngsters. Another part was the humility of the man that got dressed up – it was not about him or business for the store he owned in town. It was about the kids having fun and recognizing a bit of the real Easter story along the way.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. – Luke 24:13-16. Two disciples, downcast and overwhelmed by the happenings of the previous few days, could not see beyond their circumstances even as “Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them”. Jesus allowed them to stay distracted in their own world as he opened up all the scriptures, what Moses and all the prophets had to say concerning Himself. They could not handle the Truth in real time so He nurtured them in the Word until they got it. Then He disappeared as quickly as He had shown up with them on the road. With a new-found belief and energy, the disciples returned to Jerusalem at once to announce to the eleven that the Lord had risen indeed!

To recognize Jesus in our busy lives, we have to know Him. To know Him we have to read His book, the Bible. John stated in the first chapter of his gospel, verse 14, that “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Reading the Bible individually and as a family, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, will help us get to know Him. When you know Him, you will recognize Him in every circumstance, decision and relationship. What a great state for you and your family to be in by His grace through your leadership.

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your Word and Your love expressed through the virgin birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Help me recognize You to the full as the men on the road to Emmaus did. Let me experience You risen in my heart and through my life so I may feel Your presence with me on this journey as a man, husband and father. Equip me as a God-glorifier where You have me in family, church and circles of influence. All by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

A faithful father recognizes Jesus in every circumstance, decision and relationship.