Luke 7:11-17
Yesterday, we were looking at the faith of the centurion, who showed us in the midst of an impossible situation, to believe in the healing power of Jesus Christ. Today, Jesus is continuing to teach us to grow in our belief of Him and to know Him and the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10 Jesus wants us to know that apart from Him, we are all dead, and that He alone will give us life.
The very next day, after He healed the centurion's servant, Jesus went into the city of Nain. Jesus was followed by a train of His disciples and a large crowd of people. As they came to the city gate, they were met by a train of mourners carrying a dead man out of town. A widowed mother was crying as she went out to bury her only son, and a large crowd from the city was with her. They were two trains, going in opposite directions, that could have passed each other unnoticed, but they did not—one train of people going into town, full of life and hope, and the other train of people, going out of town, mourning a death. As Jesus saw this mother, He had compassion on her and told her not to weep. He then came near and touched the coffin, and said "Young man, I say to you arise." So this one, who was dead, sat up and began to speak. A mother and a son, touched by the life and hope of Jesus Christ. Two trains becoming one, no longer going in opposite directions, but now going in the same direction with Jesus. A mother and a son, now growing to love this Jesus, who has brought them out of death and has given them life.
Up to this time, Jesus had healed a great many people, but this was the first time He raised anyone from the dead. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:11 We are all dead in our sins, and Christ has the power over death itself. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 The call is for all to arise from the dead, and Christ shall give us light and life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." John 11:25 When Jesus Christ gives us spiritual life, He opens our lips in prayer and praise, just like the young man and his mother. This is the growth in Jesus Christ that causes us to follow Him, and become one of His train of believers, who fills the temple of God. Do you want to be part of this train? There are plenty of seats available. All Aboard?!?!
~ Debbie Frantz
