GPS Guide – November 27, 2018

HOLY INTERRUPTION

Tuesday

Read: Luke 7:11-17

“Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.  As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the town was with her.  When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers 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. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”  (NIV Luke 7:11-17)

Study: In Jesus’ day, losing a son was a practical disaster for a widow. Under Jewish law, she only had legal standing to own property or sustain herself through a male relative. So Jesus saved her from emotional loss, and also from likely poverty and helplessness. What has Jesus saved you from? In what ways does a sense of his loving power at work with and through you give you strength and comfort for each day? Luke recorded the response of those who saw Jesus’ action: “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” In what ways did their reaction fall short of full understanding of the meaning of Jesus’ ministry?

In what ways was it accurate and a first step toward accepting Jesus’ lordship over their own lives?

Prayer: Jesus, I often forget that the same compassionate power that gave that weeping mother back her son is at work on my behalf every day. I feel gratitude and joy that you are my lord. Give me courage and wisdom to share you with others. Amen.