God Has Come to Help His People
Women Impacted by Jesus – part 6
We are traveling together through the gospel of Luke, reflecting on women who received “more” through the life-transforming work of Jesus.
Jesus is traveling in ministry, bringing evidence of the kingdom of God to all who have eyes to see and ears to hear. In Luke we read this account: Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out–the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. [Luke 7:11-17 NIV]
Jesus saw the widow of Nain and felt the magnitude of her loss. She had no husband to protect her and now no son to provide for her. Compassion begins with having eyes to see individuals and their unique circumstances. If we desire to be like Jesus, we must slow down, look around, and be willing to enter into the lives of others.
Jesus then demonstrated both the power and the heart of the Kingdom of God. He raised the young man to life and gave him back to his mother. Both actions inspire worship in my spirit. The power to raise the dead to life! And the tender giving back of that which had been lost. Lord, You are good and your mercies are new every morning!
Drawing upon the resources of the Kingdom, what can we give back to those who have experienced loss? Can we restore dignity, hope, and relationship to others through our time, attention, and God-given grace? We are now the sent ones, traveling through our lives with Spirit-anointing. May we be good stewards of this equipping.
Finally, in this Advent season, I am reminded that God, too, had an “only son” Who was given, Who died, was brought back to life, and given back to us. May we all rejoice in the joy of our salvation!
Great reminder for this time of year when we’re all scurrying about trying to give our families a great Christmas experience with decorating, gift giving, baking, ect. I’m also reminded the Christmas season is not joyful for all. For some it can even be painful. I’ve always loved this story because the widow was not seeking Jesus, scripture doesn’t even state that she saw Him but in His great compassion He saw her. Thanks for sharing this!
Yes, Sandy. Grace upon grace is ours. So grateful that we can fix our eyes on Jesus and see the heart of our compassionate God. In all circumstances. In joy. In pain. God is present.
The story of redemption never gets old,Remember Jesus never changes.Hebrews 13:8.Blessings for New Year serving T
the Savior.
Our GCW are planning a Christmas Tea for ladies of church with special invitations to the teen girls. We had the National youth director at our church this fall and he encouraged us to take interest in the teens, cross generations to pass on Christian heritage . With our theme of MORE and reaching girls who have been down wrong side of tracks , And reading Gal 6:10 in devotions one morning, as have opportunity to do good to all people , for their spiritual advantage ,be a blessing esp to those in household of faith(from Amplified) The idea of having a Christmas Tea to connect esp with teen girls . May we make a difference in their lives to let them know women of church care about them . May they not become a girls who end up in trouble. But rather learn the true meaning of Christmas season and be strong in the Lord. Our church has various community projects this year to Share the Joy so this is our GCW version of doing that.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing. God bless.