Awe

So the little boy who had died, sat up, and began to speak. And He [Jesus] presented him to his mother.

- Dr. Luke, Luke 7:15

"It's my understanding that the mission of God has always been to bring something beautiful out of something broken."

- Izaak Pearlman

You know... One of the things I love most about Jesus is that He never did a funeral.

I have done 100's of them… but Jesus never did one. You know why? Because every time someone died in His presence, Jesus simply raised them up to life again! In Mark 5, there was the daughter of Jairus who had died. The Bible says:

Taking her by the hand, Jesus said, “Little girl, get up!” And the girl, who was 12 years old, immediately stood up and walked around!

- Mark 5:41-42

Then, in John 11, there was Lazarus – the friend of Jesus who died. As Jesus came and stood before his tomb, where Lazarus had laid dead for three days, the Scriptures say:

Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave-clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go."

- John 11:43-44

And then, in today's passage, Jesus is walking into the small village of Nain, about 25 miles southwest from his home in Capernaum, when He notices a funeral procession. A young widow was crying… her little boy had died. Luke 7 says:

When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion, “Don't cry!” He said. Then He walked over to the casket and touched it, and the pallbearers stopped. “Young man,” He said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother."

- Luke 7:13-15

Wow! Wow! Wow! Will you please let the wonder of what Jesus just did inform your face and heart?! Jesus' miracle of Resurrection in the town of Nain was not just for the benefit of those present. It also serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that "whoever believes in Jesus shall never perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16).

This is the Gospel -- It is Good News... for everyone!

It's not just Good News for people who already have their life together… who have all their ducks in a row. It's Good News for people who can't even find their ducks. In fact, maybe you haven't seen your ducks in years! Maybe, like this widow, your life is a mess – you've lost way more life than you've gained in recent days. And you feel like you don't belong.

I remember one Sunday, a fella came to church -- you could tell it was like his 1st time in a long time… if ever. I could tell he felt outta place. As he turned around and started heading out the door, I walked up to him and said:

"Good Morning! Welcome!"

He said, "Ahhh… I think I made a mistake… I'm in the wrong place."

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"Well… everyone looks happy..." he said..."like they all have their lives together.”

"Ha!" I replied. "They're all just faking it… it's just for appearance sake. Their lives are all messed up… just like mine."

"In fact," I said, "I had an argument with my wife just before church that I have to clean up as soon as I get home."

"Really?" he asked.

"Really! We're all messed up in some area of our lives..." I said, "the only difference between you and me is this: I know God loves you and I just the way we are!"

"I need to go out for a smoke," he said.

I smiled and said, "Well hurry up! I'll save you a seat!"

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life! Jesus is the victorious King of the Ages! Jesus rules and reigns and He's Sovereign and He's big and He's strong and He's majestic….

And He is for you and can help you no matter what you are going through! Listen… Today… I invite you…. Be in awe of God… not your problems!

AMEN

Pastor Harry

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