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!
