Saturday 7 July, 2012

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 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. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 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!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 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.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

This story is about two distinct crowds of people coming together from different places. One crowd is led by Jesus the life giver while the other is led by a widow followed by her dead son and grieving relatives.  One crowd is about life while the other is about death.  The widows’ crowd were without hope as her son was dead and his future gone.  Jesus restored both with his touch.  News of the miracle spread far and wide.

Guess what crowd I want to be part of? Following Jesus brings life to those around us.  If we continue to follow Jesus we will see miracles. I am encouraged that God can restore families when all seems lost.  Jesus help us to bring your touch into the lives of those around us, Amen.

Written by Ainslie Woods