Luke 24:33-35
³³And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, ³⁴Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. ³⁵And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. ³⁶And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. ³⁷But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Jesus had died, it was the third day by now, all the hope that was held on to was no more, no resurrection, no hope for this is the hope that keeps us going, the faith that keeps us grounded.
The passage further shows the story of two Disciples walking on the road to Emmaus when they encountered the risen Jesus, but they did not recognize him at first. Despite the fact that they had heard about the resurrection from the women who had visited the tomb, they were still struggling to believe.
Luke 24:26-27
²⁵ Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ²⁶Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? ²⁷And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
However, as they continued to journey they met the risen Christ, he opened their eyes and helped them understand the scriptures that pointed to his suffering and resurrection. It was at the moment of breaking bread together that their eyes were fully opened, and they recognized Jesus, in that hour they proceeded to tell the other disciples and as they did, Jesus appears again in their midst. Upon seeing him, they are overcome with awe, their words dissipate, and they are left speechless and unbelieving.
They had testified about the risen Christ, but struggled to believe it themselves. How often do we find ourselves entangled with the true word and unbelief, preaching a God who heals but doubting His power over the incurable? We profess faith in a delivering God but attribute deliverance to other sources. But herein Jesus points them to the scriptures!
Take note what Jesus, the teacher and counselor does, He realigns His disciples by directing them back to the Word.
Romans 10:8
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
He helped them understand and perceive the scriptures. In moments of doubt, we must return to the Word, not just read it but perceive it, reflect on it until belief sparks manifestation. It is the word of faith, our faith is hinged on the word.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5
⁴My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.’ ⁵so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.’
What seems impossible to us is possible with God. Our faith must be built solely on His power, not human wisdom or opinions.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Fix your eyes on Jesus the perfector of our faith: When Jesus pointed the un believing disciples back to the scriptures which of course are about Him , He realigned , reignited their faith for surely He is the perfector of our Faith.
In John 21, Jesus reinstates Peter into the assignment of service, the disciples had returned to their old profession having been fishermen.
Only God holds us together in His assignment, take pride in His leadership, submit to His word and be led not astray.
John 21:18
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
Prophetic Utterance :
I believe, and therefore I confess, that even when doubt seems overwhelming, His faith is the anchor that lifts me up and holds me steadfast. With Your aid, I choose to believe and boldly declare Your word, trusting in its power to overcome every obstacle and doubt. Your faith is my shield, my strength, and my victory.
Guiding Text:
2 Corinthians 4:13
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;