Meditations

​”A great crowd accompanied Jesus and as He neared the town gate [of Nain], a young man who had died was being carried out, followed by a considerable crowd of mourners and his mother, who was a widow. He had been her only son. And the Lord had compassion on her and told her not to weep. He touched the bier that the young man’s body was on and said, ‘Young man, I say to you: Arise.’ The young man instantly sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother… And this report was spread throughout the surrounding country.” (Luke 7:11-17)

This event has come down to us as the story of the “The Widow of Nain.” This is so that we might better comprehend the grief that this lady was suffering, not just as a mother, but also as a widow. What a terrible morning. In those days, a woman with no family to provide for her would have nothing left to look forward to but a life of begging, not to mention having to bury her only child. And everyone would have understood exactly what a reversal of emotions Jesus’ miracle would have produced – witnessed by dozens and dozens of eyewitnesses. If Jesus ever wanted to give the world a case for the truth of His being the very Son of God, the story of the widow of Nain should do it. Not one person has ever said it didn’t happen, and it’s certainly not the kind of story that would be forgotten. In fact, we’re still telling it. Only God can raise people from the dead!

So, what would your prayer have been as that day started for this widow? “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad”? Some days it’s a struggle to rejoice. “Alexander Whyte, a famous Scottish preacher, was known by his flock as one of the most optimistic men in Scotland. One winter’s Sunday, a storm of freezing rain and howling winds kept most of the congregation home by their fires, but those who made it to church looked forward to seeing how Rev. Whyte might begin his usually joyful prayers on such an impossibly miserable morning. He didn’t let them down: ‘Oh, Lord, we thank Thee that not every day is as bad as it is today!’ Maybe that was the widow’s prayer. We are blessed to worship a God of the third day who promises us that no matter what we’re facing today, the very best is yet to come. A day when Jesus will give us back to our mothers and fathers and many more. (1 Thess 4:13-18)

David