Such Love Transforms

Everything was arranged: once the funeral was over, all were to go to Hephzibah's house for the after-funeral dinner. It was the way things were done in Nain, typical of the customs followed by citizens of the Jewish towns of the Galilee.

Two hired mourners led the way. One played a dirge on his flute; the other wailed. The town rabbi came next, rehearsing to himself the kaddish, the graveside prayer. Two men followed close behind, bearing on a stretcher the body of a boy, only lately relieved from the fever that had stolen away his life.

Beside the stretcher his mother blindly stumbled in inconsolable grief, guided only by occasional nudges from the stretcher. The townspeople were next, whispering to each other, "Could anything worse have happened to this poor widow? Her only son!"

At first, no one noticed the Stranger. He had intercepted the procession. Boldly He stepped forward and blocked the widow's way. Surprised, she looked up, and instantly the Nazarene caught her tear-filled eyes in His gaze.

"Don't be afraid," He said. Somehow she sensed that He felt her sorrow, not as a stranger, but as a kinsman. He made Himself unclean when He touched the stretcher, something only a close relative would do. Everyone froze, even the mourners fell silent. He said, "Young man, I tell you, get up!" Before anyone could scold or accuse, the boy sat up and rubbed his eyes, as if awakening from a nap.

Who could keep from weeping for joy and praising God? The funeral procession became a triumphant parade, and Hephzibah's funeral dinner became a celebration banquet. Once more the Master had comforted the brokenhearted, resurrected the dead, and unexpectedly changed mourning into laughter.

The good news is: He still brings celebration with Him wherever He goes. He wants to become your kinsman even now. Today His touch still means new life. Even the flutist changed his tune. You will too.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

Dream Lover

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 1,... Read More

Super Powers

It is fun to watch movies of those with super... Read More

The Minds Fancy Dress Party -Or- A Brainstorming Session

In Berlin a restaurant opens for anorexics and in Buffalo... Read More

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?

We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in... Read More

Safety ? Are You OK?

Safety is an interesting concept. When we think of safety... Read More

Self Talk: What Do You Say When You Talk to Yourself?

You have just completed a major work project before the... Read More

You Can Quickly And Easily Solve Your Problems

Today I just wanted to write you a quick note... Read More

Your Support Network

Quick. Who's in your support network? Huh? What's a support... Read More

Lock In Your Legacy

You, my friend, are going to die.What? What kind of... Read More

Selfish Beings

Trouble, trouble, trouble. Nothing but trouble. The night before, I... Read More

Motivation and Inspiration: Illusions 101

Q: I was wondering if you could recommend any books... Read More

The River of Life

I've always loved the awesome majesty of mountains. They are,... Read More

What Forgiveness Is Not

Is a grudge-laden heart sabotaging your success in business and... Read More

Just One Person We All Need

I understand that all the self made people of this... Read More

Exceptions To The Rule

Yesterday I turned 48, and she just turned 21. Uh-oh,... Read More

Make Life Work: Repair the Relationship with Yourself

What areas of your life are working well? Career? Finances?Relationships?... Read More

Anamchara - Living From A Deep Place

I live in a beautiful place.This is the village of... Read More

Problems Arent Bad After all!

At first glance, when tough times hit, it seems the... Read More

Misplaced Allegiance

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 23,... Read More

Lifes Purpose

To every life, there is a purpose; a purpose of... Read More

7 Keys for Joyful Living!

Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing joy in... Read More

Whats Your Reason For Waiting?

The fever had been high late into the night, but... Read More

Create 10 Delightful Daily Habits

Practising extreme self-care in our life involves practising good "daily"... Read More

A Life of Purposes Extraction

Purpose. What is purpose? Drinking coffee when you wake up... Read More

The Beauty of Life

"An unexamined life is not worth living."-- SocratesI have just... Read More

Things Happen Without Reason

Sometimes things happen in life for apparently no reason at... Read More

Finding Hope In Trying Times

Growing up, as a child of the 60's, peace, love... Read More

The Miracle of Personal Development

One day Mr. Shoaff said, "Jim, if you want to... Read More

Accept Every Invitation

How often do you decline an invitation because you have... Read More

Eradicating The Heart of Poverty

Poverty can sometimes only be a state of mind, based... Read More

When Self-Growth becomes Self-Sabotage

Many of us invest quality time and energy into our... Read More

Why You Are Special and Why Does It Matter

Why 'you are special'?Why and how does it matter?Things you... Read More

Count Your Blessings

Each day brings a new beginning. It's a new leaf... Read More