“Seized by Fear“, by Rev. Mike Holly
There are times when something shocks us to the very core. Something that is so disruptive and unexpected may occur and we are either frozen in fear or we react out of anxiety and try to distance ourselves from whatever is taking place. Something similar occurs in the town of Nain, near the mount where Jesus was transfigured. Jesus raises the son of a widow from death. In fact, Jesus encounters this widow and the body of her son during the funeral procession – a time when the pain of reality is too sharp to bear. Jesus, out of compassion for her, raises her only son from death. I find if fascinating that Jesus acts out of compassion for the grieving and not for the son who had died young.
Notice the townspeople as well. They are “seized with fear” at the miracle performed before them. Something disruptive and unexpected occurs. They may have been frozen in fear for a moment, but then they seem to appreciate the grace of the moment and begin to praise God. “God has looked favorably on his people!” they shout. The people of Nain begin to realize that God had not forgotten them. They may not fully understand who Jesus is at that moment, but they know that it is a breaking in of God’s love and care for His people into the world.
Has something disruptive and unexpected occurred in your midst? How did you respond?
~Mike
Leap of Faith Weekly Prayer
Summer Prayer 1
Father and Creator of all things, we thank you for the warmth of the summer sun and for the increased daylight. We thank you for how the light gives life to Your world and how it makes possible the growth of plants and animals that feed the world. Thank you for the beauty of the world around us. Help me to become more thankful for everything you provide every time I enjoy being outside in Your creation. And as I enjoy Your creation, create in me a pure heart and a hunger and thirst for You. Amen.
The Word
Luke 7:11-17
Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
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