Such Love Transforms - Answering Service Resources

Home
>
Inspirational
>
Such Love Transforms

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."

In The News:

Bon Appetit magazine will award the most inspirational ...
PR-CANADA.net (press release), Montenegro - 3 hours ago
Men in the Los Angeles area who suffer from the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate now have the option of out-patient, in-office treatment to ...

The Palin family is truly inspirational
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - 9 hours ago
... whether she can do it all but rather an interview which focuses on the strategic plan this couple has crafted for their family. A truly inspirational story.

Mother, daughter unite to organize inspirational conferences
Arizona Republic, AZ - Sep 5, 2008
by Sonja Haller - Sept. 6, 2008 12:00 AM Somehow, Liz Dawn's mother knew an earthquake was coming. She urged her daughter to leave Los Angeles and return to ...

Palin is inspirational leader
Times-Journal, AL - Sep 5, 2008
By Kelly Townsend Arizona Sen. John McCain announced the governor of Alaska would be his running mate on the Republican ticket, and it left many searching ...

An Inspirational Success
Long Beach Post Sports, CA - 22 hours ago
In May, the class of 2007 graduated and this inspirational moment calls for days full of celebrations which is exactly what many of my peers did these past ...

What's your favorite inspirational story in baseball (or sports)?
Baltimore Sun, United States - Sep 5, 2008
Daily Think Special: What’s your favorite example of an inspirational tale in baseball? How about in sports in general?

Pan Pacific HIV conference 'eye-opening and inspirational'
Gay NZ, New Zealand - Sep 5, 2008
"The stories we have heard have been both eye-opening and inspirational. The Pan Pacific 2008 HIV Conference has given us all new strength in our fight ...

Ty Pennington is inspirational
Akron Beacon Journal, OH - Sep 5, 2008
Ty Pennington titled his new book Good Design Can Change Your Life. And he should know. For five years, Pennington has been host of Extreme Makeover: Home ...

Hindu
Proactive, aggressive and inspirational
Hindu, India - Sep 4, 2008
He is proactive and aggressive, inspirational and calm. And he delivers under pressure. The wicketkeeper-batsman has grown and evolved. ...

Professional Fundraising
Gill Astarita – ‘dynamic, inspirational, passionate’
Professional Fundraising, UK - Sep 5, 2008
With the death of Gill Astarita, the voluntary sector has lost one of its most dynamic and inspirational fundraisers and leaders. ...
Sector mourns Gill Astarita Professional Fundraising
all 2 news articles

inspirational - Google News

Answering Service ResourceAnswering Service Resource