READING: Matthew 8:1-13, Luke 7
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: As a young pastor, I don’t think I fully understood the significance of our faith until I stood by the bedside of the dying mother of one of my church members. I had never been around death before; in fact, I had never even been to a funeral.
Now, I watched as in those seemingly endless hours of final breaths, this dear lady passed away. Her body relaxed, and her life this side of eternity was over. I stood there, both humbled and a bit taken back by the reality of the end of life. All of this really does come to an end. Life really does stop. Bodies really do die.
And, if that’s all there is to our existence, this life is indeed a most miserable one. That’s not all there is, though — the Jesus who raised the dead son of the widow of Nain has promised us resurrection to come. Read the story of this son here:
Luke 7:13-15 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Don’t cry.” Then He came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And He said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
While our resurrection is yet to come after we’re dead and buried, Jesus remains the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). Even as He told the grieving mother to discontinue her grieving, He reminds us that we grieve differently than the world. Grieve, yes. Grieve without hope, no.
He will someday speak the word, and the dead in Christ will rise.
ACTION STEPS: Take time today to think about the genuine hope we have in Jesus. Recall those Christian loved ones who’ve gone on before you. Thank God for the promise of resurrection. Live today in the joy of that truth.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for being the God of eternity. Thank you that death no longer has a sting for Your people. Help me to live differently today because of this truth.
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 11