Miraculous Comeback, and Unbelief Melting in the Fires

Continuing today with our discussion of the comeback (the return from the dead,) and it being considered an insurmountable impossibility until it became undeniable, and therefore understood as miraculous.

Luke 24
13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were held that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that you have one to another, as you walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The LORD is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are you troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts [your yet unchanged reasoning?]
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet [as we have seen His work and His way.]
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have you here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me [the former/early rain.]
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And you are witnesses of these things [witnesses to this later rain.]
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

The above passage begins by telling of the two who left Jerusalem and traveled toward Emmaus. Emmaus means to stay in the same place, or stay in the midst. It is alluding to the thinking they held, as spoken of in verse 16 when it says their eye where held so they could not see Him. The point being conveyed is of needing to stand fast in the thing the LORD had spoken to them, and not leave those things until they received power – the Higher Power as the latter rain. This is plainly the LORD telling them to not be discontented with the things they had and to remain in Jerusalem – taught and founded in the ways of peace (my peace I leave you – remain in My peace.)

These men’s eyes being opened they returned to Jerusalem, as the scriptures where opened with/to them and they were then able to see. Once there they witnessed to what they had seen and did know by His breaking bread with them (sup – feasting.)

The passage is speaking of the positions a person holds in their mind as being what controls their seeing truth and understanding meaning, or not. This is the difference between those who see everything and those who see nothing. Do you believe in miraculous comebacks? Do you believe it is possible to rise to victory from the dead? Do you believe it can’t happen just because we have never seen it before? If the Father in Heaven showed it to the world would you believe? Some people will see nothing because their mind is held down in corrupted teaching and it thereby limits their intellect. Other hear the voice of the Father speaking saying, “This is My beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”

The word the LORD uses to tell of the eyes of these men being “held” by what they believed is, krateo. Here is the Strong’s Greek Dictionary meaning: Strong’s #2902: krateo (pronounced krat-eh’-o) from 2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):–hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).

In Matthew 26 krateo is used five times; in verse 4 and 48 to tell of the conspiracy and betrayal to “take” Him, and to “hold Him fast.” In verse 50 it is their taking “hold” of Him, and in 55 and 57 they “laid hold” on Him, and led [Him] away to be crucified by the religious and the press (high priest, the scribes and the assembled elders.)

Krateo is also used by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 in telling us to stand fast and “hold” to the things we had learned. Remember, this is after he spoke of the total falling away from these things that would come, and of it already being at work. He also tells us specifically that it is these same people, those we are told of in Matthew 26:57 as having taken hold of the LORD, and of their holding us down and restraining us from rising (katecho.)

Matthew 26
56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

2 Thessalonians 2
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away [apostasy] first, and these men of sin be revealed, the sons of perdition;
4 Who oppose and exalt themselves above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that they as God sits in the dwelling places [high places] of God, shewing themselves that they are God.
5 Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now you know what holds down [katecho] that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now holds down [katecho] will, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deception of injustice [working] in them that perish; because they [are not able due to a corrupted mind] received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion [planos – wandering astray,] that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might [see they] be damned [krino – judge (distinguishing) themselves guilty by this choice] who believed not the truth, but [have] had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the LORD, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification [separation from these errors into holiness] of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our LORD Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold [krateo] the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our LORD Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Paul describes this error being at its core not understanding or living by the first and greatest of the commandments, to hold God as the preeminent above all others, and if rejecting this most likely violate the second and make images of Him that are nothing at all like Him. That is the great struggle between good and evil, man making gods to his liking, while doing opposing God’s making man in His image and likeness.

The description is in Colossians 2:19 as Paul uses the word krateo to tell of those who fail by not holding the Head in this position, they instead having their natural mind inflated thinking themselves to be the highest powers.

Colossians 2
1 For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the LORD, so walk you in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [corrupted principles] of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increase with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments [stoicheion – elements and corrupted principles] of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

Hebrews 6:18 (as does 2 Thessalonians 2:15 & 16) uses the word krateo to tell of strong “consolation” (imploration and counsel) being promised to those who would flee to and “lay hold” on it. And to as many as believe and receive it, to them gives He power to become the children of God. This is the paraklesis, the promises of being led into all truth by the one the LORD promised to send. This work is further defined in the use of the same word in Hebrews 12:5 as we are told of the correction from God, sent for the perfecting of His children.

Hebrews 6
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God:
8 But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shewed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men truly swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrew 12
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My children, despise not you the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when you are rebuked of him:
6 For whom the LORD loves he chastens, and scourges every child whom he receives.

This is the same “consolation” of God’s people spoken of in Luke 2:25 as the chapter tells of Simeon recognizing it quoting from Isaiah 42:6 describing what he has witnessed. The quote appears in verse 6 where we are told of the light that is the LORD coming to breathe life into His people. In the following verse we are told it is to open eyes blinded by corrupted thinking, come from following those who are themselves blind by having strayed away from the LORD’s way, truth and light.

Isaiah 42
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5 Thus says God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which comes out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6 I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
11 Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
13 The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
14 I have long time held my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
15 I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, You are our gods.
18 Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see.
19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD’s servant?
20 Seeing many things, but you observe not; opening the ears, but he hears not.
21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable.
22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivers; for a spoil, and none says, Restore.
23 Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?
24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.
25 Therefore he has poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it has set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.