3/26/21

"And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
And he that was dead sat up, and begun to speak. And he delivered him to his mother." (Luke 7:11-15)
The city of Nain has disappeared with the passing of time, yet it has been immortalized in the scriptures.
"Nain" means "green pastures", and carries with its name a picture of a beautiful place. I think of things like home and family when I think about Nain.
Yet, even in our most beautiful settings, we can find trouble and heart-ache.
As Jesus approached the gate of Nain, a funeral procession came from within the city. A young man had died. His mother walked behind the pall bearers, weeping for her loss. She was a widow, and he was her only son.
Sons were vitally important in ancient Palestine. If a woman had no father or husband to care for her, she would become destitute without a son to help her. Our Savior understood the situation all too well.
This was a large funeral. "...much people of the city was with her." (v. 12) This family must have been well-loved in the city of Nain.
Jesus stopped the funeral procession, and raised the young man back to life. Jesus spoke to him, and he sat up!
Can you imagine the profound effect this had upon those people. Wow!
Today, I hope that you are living in Nain, a beautiful place, filled with happy memories of family and friends. But, even in Nain, our heart can be broken by the hardships of this life.
Be assured of this, Jesus visits Nain from time to time, and will help those who are in trouble.
And nothing is too hard for Him to do!
From my heart to your heart.