Nougat 29

Hi dear

Sometimes it feels as though all is lost. As though everything is done and all hope is lost. I pray that you find hope and comfort in today’s Holy Nougat

“The dead man sat up and began speaking, and Yeshua gave him to his mother.” Luke‬ ‭7:15‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Just like that; he was alive again.

The only son, a grown man, of a widow died in Nain. In those days, if a widow had no children to meet her needs, her future was rather insecure. When Jesus met them on the outskirts of the city; the widow was overcome. Her tears were likely to represent her pain of losing her son, as well as her recognition that all was lost.

Whether they had been rich as Croesus or poor as church mice; her life and livelihood would have been significantly reduced as the property reverted to the next of kin. That person could opt to marry her, but those prospects would have been significantly reduced the older she was. And no, the kinsman was not obliged to be honorable and take care of her. (Read Ruth 1:12-13 , 20-22 to get a better sense of the challenge. It was the root of Naomi’s bitterness upon her return to Bethlehem, childless and widowed. She knew her prospects were dim.) With no husband or son to defend her rights, she was totally disenfranchised.

But Jesus

Having been in Capernaum the day prior, they embarked on a (minimum) 10.25 hour journey to get to Nain. He was right on time – they were en route the burial. Jesus touched the CORPSE and commanded life back in the young man. And the man defied all the embalming, the laws of death and science, he arose. The widow’s situation shifted.

No other miracle, sermon or activity is recorded from that visit. Jesus was in Nain just for that family. I am confident that the widow saw life very differently thereafter, and should he recall dying; so would the son. He had no doubt about his purpose – at least part of his purpose involved his mother. They probably spoke of that day for years after.

So can we think of our own resurrection story? It might not have been a literal raising of the dead; but could be emotional, financial, mental, marital, or spiritual death. What matters is that the power of God’s Spirit turned our lives around.

And if that breakthrough hasn’t come as yet, I pray it does – just in time. Within or without the city limits. Before or after the pronouncement has been made. May we experience that real and direct transformation we seek in Christ. Lord, have mercy please.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .