A Day in Nain

Our church family lost a much loved member this week. Hearts are heavy even though we can rejoice that our dear friend -sister has now seen the face of our Savior, and she is with Him in heaven. What a sweet promise of reunion we have! That is to say, the Christian has this heavenly home to look forward to.

So, as my mind turns to thoughts of her upcoming memorial service and the tears of sorrow that her family (and church family) will shed, I thought about the mother in Nain.

Typically in a funeral procession or a memorial service, the attendants sit quietly and

 reverently out of respect. Hands are clasped. Voices are whispered hushes. Eyes are big with anticipation prior to seeing the grieving family. Hearts are heavy. Mouths closed. Silent prayers are often lifted up. I know the immediate moments before my husband speaks and ministers to the family during the service; he is praying for wisdom and asking God to guide him with the right words and thoughts to convey. It’s a serious atmosphere.

But Jesus didn’t do that! Not that day in Nain. He approached the heartbroken mother of a departed (dead) boy. I’m paraphrasing the situation for learning purposes, but he approached this grieving mom. He whispered something to her that made her turn and look at her beautiful son. With the tone of a teacher instructing a student, or a parent instructing their child, Jesus commanded the boy to arise! To be alive and dead no longer! The King James Bible records it this way:  Luke 7:14, 15 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

The young lad obeyed. (He had no choice! This was voice of GOD speaking).

One writer described it like this, "Limbs began to move. Skin once cold and pale began to turn pink from blood flow. Internal organs instantaneously started to function. His heart began to beat. His eyes opened. The boy jumped up and Jesus returned him to his mother."

What a miracle! What a reunion! This dear mom didn’t have to wait until heaven…she was reunited the moment Jesus spoke to her son with His resurrecting power! Amen! Life Moment: Who do YOU want to be reunited with in heaven? The Bible tells us that we MUST be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.

A short time later, Jesus communed with his disciples – they ate their evening meal together.  One minister wrote, "Peter was struck by the irony of it all. Here was this “GOD-MAN” who had just raised the dead. Literally. Yet, there He was in the midst of the dinner table, enjoying good food and company. “Who are you?” Peter may have silently asked. Perhaps he thought that Jesus should have been arrayed with fine robes, guarded by angels, wearing a crown of jewels befitting the Son of God!"

But isn’t it just like Him to remain so humble? He is the ONLY resurrected Savior! Accessible to all – the Jew and the gentile. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I do have a longing for the Christian – I wish we would readily learn that when Jesus says something, it happens! When God speaks to our hearts – we need to obey! When Jesus speaks – we need to listen!

** If you don’t know how to accept the gift of salvation through receiving Christ as your Savior, or need further information on “the sinner’s prayer” please email me today! It only requires childlike faith.

Look UP my friends!