ComputerHunter.org

 

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."







Google News - Top Stories

Poll Finds Wide Obama Lead Despite McCain Attacks
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By MICHAEL COOPER and MEGAN THEE The McCain campaign’s recent angry tone and sharply personal attacks on Senator Barack Obama appear to have backfired and tarnished Senator John McCain more than their intended target, the latest New York Times/CBS News ...
Obama leads McCain by 14 points: CBS/NYT poll Reuters
Obama Widens Lead as Americans See `Serious' Crisis (Update1) Bloomberg
Los Angeles Times - CBS News - Boston Globe - Wall Street Journal
all 2,916 news articles


ABC News

From Orlando Sentinel
Newsday - 1 hour ago
Casey Anthony was indicted today on seven charges in the disappearance of her missing daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony, including first-degree murder.
Video: Grandfather of Missing Tot Testifies in Court AssociatedPress
Mother of missing Fla. girl indicted for murder USA Today
United Press International - WGRZ-TV - MSNBC - ABC News
all 793 news articles


Voice of America

Firefighters attack stubborn blaze near LA homes
The Associated Press - 43 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Flames whirled dangerously close to homes Tuesday as gusty Santa Ana winds sent the biggest of southern California's wildfires flaring in hilly brushlands on Los Angeles' northern edge and along subdivisions to the west.
Video: Erratic Winds Hinder, Help Calif. Firefighters AssociatedPress
Wildfires kill two in Southern California People's Daily Online
San Jose Mercury News - AFP - Bloomberg - Buzzle
all 5,385 news articles


AFP

FY '08 budget deficit swells to record $455 billion
Reuters - 2 hours ago
By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US budget deficit hit a record $455 billion in fiscal 2008 as a slowing economy sapped revenues while spending on wars, bank failures and unemployment-related benefits soared, the Treasury Department said on ...
Budget deficit in 2008 surges to all-time high The Associated Press
US 2008 Budget Deficit at Record $455 Billion (Update3) Bloomberg
Monsters and Critics.com - USA Today - CQPolitics.com - AFP
all 273 news articles


ABC News

Republicans Rally the Troops Against Mahoney
Washington Post - 2 hours ago
Less than 24 hours after ABC News reported that Florida Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney had paid off a former mistress to keep her quiet, Republicans at the state and national level are moving -- unsurprisingly -- to take advantage.
FBI Reported to Begin Probe of Florida Congressman ABC News
Fla. congressman denies breaking any laws The Associated Press
CBS News - New York Times - Palm Beach Post - The Weekly Standard
all 638 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base