Nicholas Meade - School of Theology at Viginia Union University

Luke 7:11-17

Hope for a Deteriorated Existence

There are times in life where we all can identify with the widow in this text. She has lost her husband and now she ventures out of the city to bury her only son. In other words, her existence has deteriorated or gone from bad to worse. Many times life can leave us feeling alone and abandoned by others and by God because of a particular set of circumstances beyond our control. Our temptation then is to only focus on the problem without being mindful that there is a solution. 

According to the text, Jesus and His entourage intersected with the funeral procession as it was leaving the city. While we may be on our way to bury what is dead, we need to be mindful of a few things. The first is that as arguably the last of God’s prophets Jesus symbolizes the presence of God and embodies God’s compassion. In other words, this text helps us to understand that while we may be going through trying times right now, God is present and God cares. Thanks be unto God that the good news does not end there because the text also shows us that Jesus does something to turn this widow’s deteriorated existence around, and that is the hope for us. No matter how things have deteriorated in your life know that God cares, God is present and whether in this life or in glory you are on a countdown to a celebration. God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent – that means that He’s able, He knows how and He’s in position to turn things around.

This text cannot help but remind us of another time in history where circumstances had deteriorated and God sent Hope. Mankind had deteriorated spiritually and because of a resurrection mankind’s hope was restored. Thank God for Jesus! When your existence has deteriorated just remember the barren cross and the empty tomb and know that there is hope. Wait on God until your change comes. 

Prayer

God thank you for reminding me that You are always present in spite of what I am going through. Help me God to remember that in You there is always hope in spite of how things go from bad to worse. When You turn things around I will do as the people in the text and tell the story all throughout the neighborhood and give You the glory. In the name of my Redeemer who yet lives, Jesus the Christ, Amen. 

Thought for the day

No matter what it looks like, God has proximity to my pain and is able to fix whatever ails me.