Compassion and Awe

Luke 7:11-17

11 Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12 As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” 17 This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

The grief the woman carried was overwhelming. Her husband was dead and now her son. Also, she now had no means of financial support. Her security is at risk on so many levels. And Jesus just jumps right in to act. It is important to see that in vs. 13, Jesus had compassion. Here Jesus acts not because he was asked, he acts without any sign of faith from anyone in the crowd or among those in the funeral, he acts without us knowing if the woman “deserved” the miracle. Here Jesus is moved by compassion for her and he acts. Jesus acts independent of anything the woman has done, anything about the son, Jesus simply acts out of compassion.

Today God continues through the Holy Spirit to act completely independent of what people have done or not done, independent of whether the miracle is deserved or not. God though the Holy Spirit acts to bring healing and renewal, for his heart is filled with compassion.

We want to know why God acts in some situations and not in others, and we frequently turn to say that those who are not healed did not have enough faith, or did not live good enough lives. This story does not allow either of those conclusions to be drawn. The answer to why does God act in some situations and not in others, is that in the mystery of God, God hears and God cares, but God does not always heal. The invitation is to rejoice in the times when healing happens, and also to trust that God will give us strength, carrying us through the difficult times.  

In awe and wonder the crowd responded to what they saw, we too can rejoice in the miracles that we see.  

PRAYER:

Lord God, you are a God of compassion, who works wonders. We thank you for those times when we witness miracles. We thank you for those times when you strengthen us for the journey. We rejoice in your compassion and care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.