It seems that in our day and age we have forgotten about
boldness, and instead cater to more passive people in the body of Christ. There
are many different personality types in the body of Christ, but it would seem
that the aggressive miracle workers are shunned in favor of the quiet,
compliant sheep. There are many self-promoters who can “play the game”, but
many less truly convicted individuals going outward as servants of Christ. One
thing we learn from Jesus is to lay down our lives, take up our cross, and
follow him. If we want to be like him we have to do the same, but that does not
necessarily include passivity. We see three men in the Bible who walked with
Jesus, called out from the Galilee area, who experienced extra visions and saw
extra miracles, above the other disciples. Jesus knew their boldness would take
them into the next age, the age of the Holy Spirit. But why these three
fishermen?
Jesus transformed on top of a mountain, and three loud,
bold, disciples were there to see it. They didn’t know what they were seeing,
but they were told to keep it quiet. Later, we see Peter having other visions
and trances. What is all this and what does it mean? We are told to transform
as well. What precipitates that metamorphosis that we are told to undergo?
Three disciples, the aggressive ones, had the privilege of witnessing some things
we would all love to see. It seems that visions are not limited to these men,
but visions are given to those who are aggressively seeking God.
Peter was bold enough to announce Jesus was the Christ,
and Jesus called him blessed.
Matt 16:15-18 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I
am?16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon
Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father
which is in heaven.18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon
this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it.
Peter knew who Jesus was, but not because of an
intellectual study of the scrolls, but instead because the Father revealed it
to him. Upon this rock, Peter, Jesus will build his church. Not literally upon
Peter’s body but upon the revelation Peter spoke concerning who Jesus actually
was. Peter’s declaration was the rock, and because Peter received this
understanding from the Father he was known as the first stone or the foundation
of the church. Jesus was the cornerstone, Peter was the stone next to the
cornerstone. Jesus said he would build his church and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it. Gates are defensive not offensive. The gates of hell
falter because of Jesus’ church. Jesus says he will give Peter the keys of the
kingdom of heaven, in other words, here are the passcodes that bring about miracles.
The work of the kingdom is done on earth by binding and loosing, setting people
free from bondage. We invite people to leave hell and hell’s gates can’t keep
them in.
Matt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the
kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.20
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus
the Christ.21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how
that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief
priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Jesus did not want people to know he was the Christ. That
would be the foundation of His church, but the time to reveal it wasn’t here
yet. Keeping secrets is a hard thing to do. The very next statement in
Matthew’s gospel is that Jesus started showing the disciples that he had to be
killed in Jerusalem and that he would rise again. What happens next?
Matt 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him,
saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.23 But he
turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence
unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of
men.
Peter who just told everyone that Jesus was the Christ,
was rebuked for telling Jesus that this should not happen to him. The Samarians
had a similar response, they wanted Jesus to say with them rather than go to
Jerusalem because they knew who he was, but the problem for humans is that they
don’t always know the things that have to happen according to the Father’s
plan. Peter, as well as many others, valued life and especially the life of one
who does miracles. Jesus did not want the people that love him to hinder the
process he was going to walk through. Shortly we will see people questioning
Peter for doing what the Holy Spirit led him to do. The practical application
for us today is to do what God would have us do, and be so convinced of our
mission that no one stops us.
Matt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man
will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose
his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall
gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in
exchange for his soul?
Here is the key for us, we must deny ourselves. We must
take up our cross, or in other words, do the things God would have us do, and
follow Jesus. We are to all deny ourselves and do the things God would have us
do, but what happens if someone we love tells us they must do something for God
that could put them in danger? We do exactly the same things Peter and the
others did by telling Jesus not to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. Jesus
gives them a little glimpse into the future next so that they would have vision
for the future. It is hard for humans to look ahead, past our earthly lives, as
this is all we know. But Jesus is telling them about the future, after the
things of this world.
Matt 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of
his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his
works.28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not
taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Jesus tells his disciples he will come in the glory of
the Father with angels. Jesus told them they would be rewarded according to
their works. He then said there were some that would not taste death. As we
have studied, Jesus overcame death and delivered and set the captives of Hades free.
The dead in Christ don’t go to Hades any longer. Remember Jesus came back to
earth for forty days after his crucifixion, he did not stay in Hades, he
instead took the keys and opened the gates of hell. Now if our bodies fail us
we no longer have to be held captive by the grave, Jesus gives us to eat of the
tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. Mark records this a little
differently. But truly, there is a deeper meaning here. Jesus was about to show
three of the disciples something spectacular. Prior, the disciples Jesus was
speaking to were not limited to twelve, as Jesus had many disciples, but three
of them would be going on a prayer retreat, Peter and the Sons of Thunder.
Matt 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James,
and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2 And
was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment
was white as the light.
Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and transformed before
them. Jesus named James and John the sons of thunder (Boanerges means “commotion” or “violent anger”), they must have
been quite intense; and their father must have been rather special as well. Salome,
James and John’s mother was the sister of Mary, Jesus’ mother; making James,
John, and Jesus cousins. Previously, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a
synagogue ruler’s house when he raised the ruler’s daughter from the dead. Jesus
told everyone not to tell anyone that he raised the girl from the dead. After
this mountain top event, James and John asked if they could sit on either side
of Jesus in his glory, and the other disciples got mad at them. It is
fascinating that these same three along with Andrew, Peter’s brother, ask Jesus
some questions privately about future apocalyptic events. Also when James and
John heard the Samaritans didn’t receive Jesus because Jesus was intent on
going to Jerusalem, they asked Jesus if they should call down fire on them. We
are starting to see a pattern here of Peter, James, and John, they seem to be
the boldest, the most aggressive, and unafraid to speak their mind. These three
men seem to be the ones that are willing to fight and seem to be leaders among
the disciples. Remember these same three, Peter, James, and John went with
Jesus to Gethsemane. Peter cut off a guards’ ear, very willing to fight for Jesus,
but again Jesus had to tell Peter, that that was not the plan of the Father. James
was the first disciple martyred and the only one whose death was mentioned in
Acts. John ended up on an island in prison and received the most spectacular
revelation of all. These men were not quiet compliant people. They were not
people pleasers either. They probably listened to Viking Death Metal or Viking
Power Metal, ready to conquer, (okay, I’m kidding).
When we think about who, out of all the people, got
special revelation, or who got special knowledge, it seemed to be the ones
ready to fight for Jesus. It was the three guys that were the most aggressive,
the boldest, and the most intense. I should say there is a pattern here for us
too. Passive people may be saved and Spirit filled, but the aggressive ones get
the spoils, or in this case the revelation. If you tend toward spiritual
warfare, these guys are the examples for you. While Jesus didn’t need anyone to
be his body guard, these three guys seem to fit the bill for the job. So it
isn’t surprising after this quick look at these three men, that Jesus took them
up a mountain to reveal himself to them. Jesus showed them his glory. But there
was more.
Matt 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and
Elias talking with him.4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is
good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one
for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5 While he yet spake, behold, a
bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which
said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.6 And when
the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
While they saw Jesus brightly shining, they also saw two
others, Moses and Elijah. Why these two men? Moses is the symbol of the Law, and
Elijah the symbol of the Prophets. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the
Prophets. In other words Jesus fulfilled all the Law and all things prophesied
about him. These men, Peter, James, and John, were the type of people that if
you tell them they have inherent power, they don’t question, or examine, or
wonder, they simply just use it. They probably didn’t even think about it, they
would just torch people, unless Jesus is standing there of course. Now if
seeing Moses and Elijah wasn’t enough, they also heard the voice of the Father
speak directly to them.
Matt 17:7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said,
Arise, and be not afraid.8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no
man, save Jesus only.9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged
them, saying, Tell the vision[3705] to no man, until the Son of man be risen
again from the dead. KJV
NT:3705 horama (hor'-am-ah); from NT:3708; something gazed
at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural):KJV - sight, vision.(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:3708 horao (hor-ah'-o);
properly, to stare at [compare NT:3700], i.e. (by implication) to discern
clearly (physically or mentally); by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to
experience; passively, to appear: KJV - behold, perceive, see, take heed.(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Peter, James, and John had a vision, a supernatural
vision, accompanied by the voice of the Father. It is always an important thing
to note when the voice of the Father pierces the earthly atmosphere. Peter was
so bold that even after being astonished with this vision, he suggested they
build tabernacles or tents to worship there. This made perfect sense to him.
Here is the place of visions and audible voices, he thought, ‘let’s make this
place as a memorial for everyone to come and worship here too’. This vision was
only for these three men. Jesus wanted to show himself in glory to them. Why
only them? Was it that these three men, with all their boldness, needed the
sustaining of this vision for the work of the ministry after Jesus’
crucifixion? After Jesus’ crucifixion Peter seemed to almost want to walk away,
not because he was weak, but because he was so strong, he firmly believed Jesus
was not going to stay dead. Time is a problem for humans, three days being dead
was too long in Peter’s mind; but as soon as the women said Jesus wasn’t in the
grave John and Peter ran to the tomb. Peter may have thought Jesus wouldn’t
even physically die, he’d just stay alive. But when that didn’t happen, he may
have thought, he would only be dead a few moments. Peter denied Jesus, not
because he was weak, but because he so wanted to see what was happening to him
and he was trying to stay there as long as he could as covertly as possible. We
have to understand, Peter saw Jesus in glory; so in his mind soldiers beating
Jesus should have been torched by fire or something. With that mountain top
vision in the forefront of Peter’s mind, he couldn’t understand the events
taking place.
Stephen relates that Moses had a vision of the burning
bush. Visions help to encourage people to endure hard times. While we may not
understand the full plan of God, visions help us move forward.
Acts 7:31-32 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sigh t[3705]:
and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,32
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold KJV
Paul had visions as well.
Acts 18:5-10 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from
Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus
was Christ.6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his
raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean:
from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7 And he departed thence, and
entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God,
whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the
synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians
hearing believed, and were baptized.9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night
by a vision [3705], Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10 For I
am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people
in this city.KJV
One vision Paul had that changed his life forever and was
accompanied by blindness, was on the way to kill Christians in Damascus. Paul
tells Agrippa about his conversion.
Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not
disobedient unto the heavenly vision [3705]:KJV
Not only did the Apostles have visions, Cornelius who was
devout worshiper but an Italian solider (not born a Jew) had a vision that gave
him directions.
Acts 10:1-5 There was a certain man in Caesarea called
Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,2 A devout man, and
one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and
prayed to God alway.3 He saw in a vision [3705] evidently about the ninth hour
of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.4
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he
said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before
God.5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is
Peter: KJV
Cornelius was to send men to get Peter. At the time the
men were arriving in Joppa, Peter was having a weird vision. Peter didn’t quite
understand it until he got to Cornelius’ house.
Acts 10:17-1917 Now while Peter doubted in himself what
this vision [3705] which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were
sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the
gate,18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were
lodged there.19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him,
Behold, three men seek thee. KJV
Afterwards Peter had to explain this whole Gentile receiving the Holy Spirit thing
to the Church leaders in Jerusalem. Peter says he was praying and in a trance,
then he saw a vision.
Acts 11:1-16 And the apostles and brethren that were in
Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.2 And when
Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended
with him,3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with
them.4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by
order unto them, saying,5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance
[1611] I saw a vision [3705], A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great
sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:6 Upon the
which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of
the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.7 And I
heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.8 But I said, Not so,
Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.9
But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call
not thou common.10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again
into heaven.11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto
the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.12 And the spirit bade me go
with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we
entered into the man's house:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in
his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for
Simon, whose surname is Peter;14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all
thy house shall be saved.15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on
them, as on us at the beginning.16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how
that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with
the Holy Ghost.KJV
NT:1611 ekstasis (ek'-stas-is); from NT:1839; a
displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, "ecstasy":KJV - be amazed, amazement, astonishment,
trance.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
This idea of the vision Peter had relates also to the
word trance due to praying. This word
ekstasis is used regarding Paul
praying as well.
Acts 22:17-21 And it came to pass, that, when I was come
again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance
[1611];18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of
Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.19 And I said,
Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that
believed on thee:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also
was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them
that slew him.21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence
unto the Gentiles. KJV
We seem to have an awkward idea of trance, as someone who
is hypnotized and wandering around without thought. That is not the case. The
word is translated astonishment, amazement, ecstasy, as well as trance.
Displacement of the mind does not mean the mind is unable to process or
function, displacement of the mind means the mind is thinking on another level.
Rather than observing the things of earth, trance
indicates the mind thinking on the things of God, which when praying Peter and
Paul both had visions and direction. Their minds were thinking on the things of
God, and God was giving them direction. This is a different type of prayer, one
a warrior utilizes. This is not praying for earthly things, or earthly
situations, this is meditation, or intentionally directed on God, and the
things God wants.
Earlier I mentioned the story where Jesus took Peter,
James, and John to raise a young girl from the dead, this word ekstasis shows up here.
Mark 5:37-43And he suffered no man to follow him, save
Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38 And he cometh to the house
of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and
wailed greatly.39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this
ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to
scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of
the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was
lying.41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi;
which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42 And straightway the
damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were
astonished with a great astonishment [1611].43 And he charged them straitly
that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to
eat.KJV
This event happened before the vision Peter, James, and
John had of Jesus; therefore what we know is that visions and trances were
normal for these three, as well as others. Jesus took three men with him who
experienced this astonishment or ecstasy over a young girl being raised from
the dead. Could their minds process anything else? I don’t think so, they were
transfixed on that event. Funny that Jesus told everyone to keep it quiet. Is
it possible that these three men had different ministries than the other
disciples?
Mark and Luke record the same transfiguration event but
there are slight variations. Some people believe that Mark wrote his gospel
from Peter’s account. Here we see the addition of the word power, or dunamis in the
Greek.
Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you,
That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death,
till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.2 And after six days
Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an
high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.KJV
Dunamis is
miraculous power. Some people would not die until they saw the kingdom of God
come with dunamis, which would be the
day of Pentecost. Pentecost was the day when a new age was ushered in by the
infilling of the Holy Spirit. John records all that Jesus told the disciples
about the Holy Spirit coming to earth. Matthew recorded that some would not die
before seeing Jesus in his Kingdom, meaning they would see Jesus in his
resurrected body for forty days after the crucifixion and after having set the
righteous inhabitants of Hades free. Mark records that some would not die
before seeing Pentecost. It seems that both statements are true. Jesus’ kingdom
started at the crucifixion, when the veil of the temple was torn. Jesus is on a
mission to gather and build his kingdom. But the disciples did not understand
this; they didn’t understand Jesus rising from the dead.
Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he
charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the
Son of man were risen from the dead.10 And they kept that saying with
themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should
mean. KJV
Imagine what Peter, James, and John must have talked
about between themselves. Luke was not a disciple at the time Jesus was on
earth, but he researched and recorded all the events. Many people believe he
wrote for Thomas. Luke adds something else to this story.
Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his
countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.30 And,
behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:31 Who
appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at
Jerusalem.
Moses and Elijah came to talk about Jesus’ death at
Jerusalem. Luke gives us the idea that this event took place as a meeting for
Jesus, to go over a few details of the crucifixion. Later, on the road to
Emmaus, Jesus asks two disciples if they have read the prophets concerning him.
He then expounds from the Law of Moses and the prophets all about himself, but
it wasn’t until they broke bread that their eyes were opened and they knew him.
In any event, Peter, James, and John were not allowed to
talk about this experience until after the crucifixion. It had to be hard to
keep this a secret. They spoke among themselves I imagine, but Peter, James,
and John did not understand this. However, they previously saw the young girl
rise from the dead and they were told not to talk about that either. This is
truly a huge burden. How many of us would be astonished, amazed, in ecstasy,
(trance), over seeing someone raised from the dead? Yet these three men kept it
all quiet. Funny that the three of them were not quiet about much else. They
seem to be the loud, boisterous ones of the group. They seem like the guys who
sang songs about swords and conquering foreign lands.
This transformation was not for Jesus only. We are told
that we are to transform. The word for “transfigure, transform”, is metamorphoo. We, like Jesus, are to
mutate, or transmute.
NT:3339 metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o); from NT:3326 and
NT:3445; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose"): KJV
- change, transfigure, transform.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
If we are told to transform, it has to be available to do
so. Paul tells us that we are not to conform, or be like the world, but
transform by renewing our mind. We are to renovate or refurbish our mind, and
that transforms us.
Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to
this world: but be ye transformed [3339] by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV
Living sacrifices take up their cross, deny themselves,
and follow Jesus. Paul tells us more.
2 Cor 3:17-18 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the
Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18 But we all, with open face beholding
as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed [3339]into the same image from
glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. KJV
As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are changed into
the same image as he is, in glory by the Spirit of the Lord. How do we behold
his image but through visions that astonish, and amaze (trance) or are a bewilderment
and ecstasy. In prayer, we fix our minds on the Lord and the Holy Spirit
enlightens us. Another form of transform is morphe.
NT:3444 morphe (mor-fay'); perhaps from the base of
NT:3313 (through the idea of adjustment of parts); shape; figuratively, nature:
KJV - form.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Mark 16:11-13 And they, when they had heard that he was
alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12 After that he appeared in
another form [3444] unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.13
And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. KJV
During the biblical account where Jesus was speaking to
two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus, when Jesus was expounding what was
written about him in the Law and the Prophets, Jesus was in an adjusted shape. What
does that mean? He may not have looked like himself, he certainly wasn’t
leaking blood and fluids from his wounds. Maybe his wounds weren’t even visible
to them. The two men saw Jesus in another form until Jesus broke bread, then
they saw him to the extent that they
knew who he was. Paul gives us another clue to transformation.
Phil 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be
equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form [3444]of
a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as
a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross.KJV
Let this adjusted mind be in us, Jesus took the form, morphe, of a servant; a humble and
obedient man. Jesus morphed into a man who was a servant and who was humble and
obedient to the Father. That is the mind we are to put on. That is the mind
that, when we pray, we transcend our thoughts to. Another derivative of metamorphoo is the root word morphoo.
NT:3445 morphoo (mor-fo'-o); from the same as NT:3444; to
fashion (figuratively): KJV - form.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth
again until Christ be formed [3445] in you, KJV
Paul was travailing for the Galatians until Christ was
formed in them. Paul was not only praying, but actively agonizing over them to
grow up in Christ. People can change their appearance on the outside, but this
is an internal change that Paul wanted them to have. Sometimes people put on an
eminence front, as the old Who song
goes. Morphosis describes this
negative form.
NT:3446 morphosis (mor'-fo-sis); from NT:3445; formation,
i.e. (by implication) appearance (semblance or [concretely] formula):KJV - form.(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
2 Tim 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days
perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers
of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form[3466] of godliness, but
denying the power thereof: from such turn away. KJV
If someone looks Godly, but denies the power, turn and
run as fast as you can. This denial of the power of the Holy Spirit (the dunamis) we saw Mark talk about
regarding the miracle working power of the Holy Spirit, is simply one way the
devil will try to stop the children of God today. Think about this, the visions
that Peter and Paul and John had, did they come without the power of the Spirit
of the Lord? Did their writings come of their own will or was it by the Holy
Spirit that they were moved? The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, it ts
better not to deny His power, because those who do are not truly believers. We
might think about the verse regarding satan being transformed, it is a very
interesting word, metaschematizo.
NT:3345 metaschematizo (met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo); from
NT:3326 and a derivative of NT:4976; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively,
to apply (by accommodation): KJV - transfer, transform (self).(Biblesoft's New
Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible
Translators, Inc.)
2 Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is
transformed [3345] into an angel of light. KJV
This is the only place this word is used. Satan changes
his schemes, he dresses up like an angel of light. I like the way the Amplified
renders this word as masquerades.
2 Cor 11:14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself
masquerades as an angel of light; AMP
No offence to actors and actresses, but really all they
do is play dress up and make us believe they are a character in a play. That is
not what we are to do as Christians, we are not to pretend to be someone else
and deny the power of God. We are not to change on the outside, but like butterflies
we change from the inside out. That is what Peter, James, and John saw on the
mountain while Jesus was praying.
The important points we are to recognize here is that not
all people have visions or are called to bold intense work for the Lord. But
those who are warriors for Jesus should rise up, and churches should enable
those people to function in their calling. For warriors, visions are important
for sustaining through the hard times. Intentional trance type prayer, where
our minds are not fixed on earthly matters but fixed on Godly matters, is an
important part of receiving direction. All warriors must actively embrace
denying themselves, renewing their mind, transforming, humbling themselves as
servants, and be willing to take up their cross. Posers take on the form of a
warrior, but deny the power; don’t be a poser. The devil plays dress-up to
scheme against the body of Christ, don’t be fooled.
Visions are not passive dreams but active and pertinent
to our lives today. We see that James was the first disciple to lose his life
when Herod Agrippa l tried to punish the church. Peter was taken into prison at
that time as well, and while he was sleeping between two guards, an angel came
and broke Peter out of prison. The plan of God was different for these two men.
One was killed, and one was not. John gave us the greatest revealing of the
future when he was imprisoned on Patmos. Paul wrote several letters in prison
as well. These men submitted to the plans of God, just like Jesus did. This is
why Jesus rebuked Peter, because Jesus was determined to fulfill his destiny.
The bold, fearless, loud apostles prayed, fixing their minds on the things of
God, and transformed themselves, becoming warrior servants to the body of
Christ for the kingdom Christ is building.
