Nain

I don’t intend to claim a new observation to a passage in the gospel of luke tonight, only that this is how I read it on this particular occasion.

Jesus healed someone that never asked for it.

In Nain, the funeral procession was in progress and Jesus interupts the procession by telling the widow not to cry and then touches the coffin and the only son “wakes” up. The crowd was not asking, the mom was not asking and certainly the son was not asking. I don’t mean to say that this is the only time it happened, but I have never considered this before.

What does this say about God?

“13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ”Don’t cry!” he said. Luke 7“

THE FACTS:

• the woman was a widow
• since there was a large crowd this would seem to indicate she was well known
• the boy was an only child
• this is the only recorded time Jesus was in nain.

Jesus performed a miracle out of compassion that favored those who didn’t even ask or imagine this would happen. It wasn’t the eleventh hour, it was after the end. The credits of the movie had shown. There was no time on the clock.

“20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3“

A few more than 48 Hours until a crazy new chapter unfolds. I have no idea how this will play out except that God can do INFINITELY more than we might ask or think. The widow recieved compassion because of WHO GOD IS. The same goes for us. He is working miracles for us because of who He is and not just in response to our asking.

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God got me started in this. This being up to my neck with opportunity all the time, acting in belief with less than full information, presumption smashing as often as I make them, separation from rules while craving holiness. This calling out for Christ in the dark, candle lit, or sun shining full face with God’s creation stretching out before me, polishing silverware or greeting guests, in basements, second stories and walking on the street. In coffee shops never meeting a stranger always new people and faces. Leaps of faith with barely enough, more than enough. Exhaustion of senses, feelings, visions, and the kindling of all things new.

Father in Heaven, you will accomplish this work you began in me. I pray for these next 48 hours as you begin a new chapter in the lives of so many faithful I have met along the way.

Amen.

Jump