A paradox in the Christian’s life is the possibility of sorrow in times of joy, doubt when assurance is evident, or defeat when victory is assured. We are complex individuals, yet no different from the early disciples. Although the Lord told them He would die and rise again, and they later remembered His words (Luke 24:8), the women were perplexed by the empty tomb (Luke 24:4), the apostles treated the report as idle talk (Luke 24:11), Peter went home bewildered, amazed (Luke 24:12).
The two journeying to Emmaus were discouraged, dismayed, and despairing. They walked and talked as though in a state of shock. It was only the arrival of Jesus as their Companion in the way that enabled them to get things into their true perspective. Here is a lovely word that should comfort us at all times on life’s journey: “… Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them” (Luke 24:15). Enjoy the truth of the words, but enjoy the spiritual experience even more.His Presence not only reassured the heavy-hearted pair, but their very beings glowed with the warmth of the enlightenment which His opening of the Scriptures brought to them.
Oh, how they constrained, pressured, entreated Him to remain with them! Was their extreme persuasion manifested by each one taking an arm to guide Him determinedly into the home? And there the Guest became the Host. As He dined with them, as He took the bread, blessed, and broke it, they would see the unmistakable wound prints in His hands. The Lord was indeed risen! The flag no longer needed to fly at half-mast; it must be run up to the top of the pole again to fly victoriously in the breeze. The King was not just in a humble home with two people, but He was in His banqueting house with beloved ones, and His banner of love was flying victoriously overhead (Song of Songs 2:4). Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is our Banner! This is how we need to know Him. Our times of despair, defeat, and discouragement may continue, but Jehovah Nissi never changes. He is ever victorious.