The Crowds Acknowledged & Recognized…God
Jesus raised a dead man (an only son) to life and gave him to his widowed mother.
The twelve disciples of Jesus, along with a large crowd, were entering the gates to the city of Nain. They met a sizeable funeral procession leaving the city. With compassion Jesus approached the grieving mother and told her “Do not weep.” Then Jesus touched the coffin and said “Young man, I say to you, arise!” And the dead man sat up and began to speak. He had indeed been resurrected.
(Luke 7:11-15)
Both crowds, which included the twelve disciples, were gripped with fear. Probably none of them had ever seen such a thing before this.
How did these two crowds react?
All people there acknowledged the dead man’s resurrection by the words of Jesus. Jesus’ words were filled with authority and power.
All people there acknowledged God by glorifying Him.
They recognized that Jesus had to have been a great prophet (at the very least).
They recognized that only God’s power could do such a thing.
They recognized that God was with them and indeed He was (Jesus: the Son of God).
Jesus — Immanuel — God with us!
Jesus was Immanuel in that day and He is Immanuel in this day.
What miracle of God have you seen and even experienced?
How about the birth of a baby…
How about medical attention which has brought healing, help and hope…
(God can work through healthcare workers)
How about “peace which surpasses understanding” in dire and dismaying circumstances…
How about a soured relationship sweetened and living and healthy…
How about a changed attitude toward others with whom there has been anger and hurt displayed?
What miracle of God have you seen and even experienced recently?
What are we to do? As those crowds did, we can be acknowledging and recognizing God working in the world where we walk.
We can proclaim ‘God is Immanuel! You are with me in this day! Thank you, God my Savior!’
The Crowds Acknowledged & Recognized…God
And so should we!