Tag: raising the dead
A time of peace!
Scripture reading for June 14th: Acts 9:26-43
God’s Kingdom is always in conflict with the kingdoms of this world and of the devil. We are told to stand in the full armor of God in this conflict. But even in conflict, God grants times of peace where He also works in the hearts of men to bring about His purposes.
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” (Acts 9:31) After Saul was converted, the wave of persecution caused by his misguided zeal subsided and a time of peace settled over the church. The Holy Spirit strengthened and encouraged the believers. The Father’s gift was invaluable in each of these new disciples. They found boldness and power to share the Gospel and see the church grow in numbers. Their proper respect for God, the fear of the Lord, helped them to stay focused and living holy lives.
In this atmosphere, Peter traveled about the countryside ministering to the saints. He visited Lydda and there was used to heal a man who was bed-ridden for eight years. This miracle brought many new believers into the church there.
In Joppa, a disciple named Tatitha who was a faithful worker in the church became ill and died. The church sent two men to find Peter who was near there. Peter came and found a number of widows mourning Tabitha’s passing. Peter knelt down by the bed where her body was laid and spoke to her, “Tabitha, get up.” She immediately opened her eyes and they helped her up. This miracle brought many others to faith in the region around Joppa!
Good news travels fast and God promised to confirm His word with signs and miracles. This early church did not just sit around during the time of peace, but continued in faith and good works. Their lives were marked by expectation of God’s supernatural power and intervention. They were sharing their faith with those outside and seeing people come to faith! They lived in the fear of the Lord and holiness brought God’s presence. May your life and church family be marked by a time of peace like this one!
From mourning to dancing!
Scripture reading for March 26th: Luke 7:11-35
God’s heart is for widows and orphans! Jesus came to show the heart of His Father to us and He used miracles to emphasize the Father’s love. In today’s reading, Jesus ministers to a widow who has lost her only son. As Jesus was visiting Nain, He came upon a funeral procession with many people mourning. This loss would be especially hard on this widow because her son represented someone who would carry on the family name and could provide for her as she got older.
“When He (Jesus) saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, “Don’t cry.” Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” They were all filled with awe and praised God.” (Luke 7:13-16a) Jesus was moved with compassion for this widow and mother. He understood all the pain and future consequences of this untimely death. His first instruction to her was to stop crying. His second command was to the dead son encouraging him to get up. Can you imagine how shocked the pall-bearers were when the dead body they were carrying sat up and began to talk!
The response to this miracle brought praise to God and great awe of God’s power and questions about Jesus Christ. Was He a great prophet, sent by God to help His people? Was He the Messiah promised by the Holy Scriptures? Even John the Baptist’s disciples were sent by John to question who Jesus really was. Jesus used the miracles and even the raising of this widow’s son as a testimony of who He was!
This miracle turned the mourning of the widowed mother and the crowd of mourners into joy and dancing! This miracle is a picture of the resurrection of all who believe. There is a time coming when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and arise to eternal life! (John 5:24-29) There will be great joy in heaven, with no more crying, mourning or death! (Revelation 21:3-5) We will be united with our loved ones who have believed and life eternally with our Lord in Glory! Have you responded to His call to eternal life?