Wednesday Bible Study

Ah, bless your name. Ah, bless your name. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [music] It is so. It is so. Saints, we are here It is so. It is so. Saints, we are here every Wednesday. We welcome you to come every Wednesday. We welcome you to come every Wednesday. We welcome you to come and and and >> thank you. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> Hallelujah. [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> just take us right here to worship. Yes. >> just take us right here to worship. Yes. >> just take us right here to worship. Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Blessed be the name of the Lord.

>> Blessed be the name of the Lord. >> Blessed be the name of the Lord. He is worthy to be [music] praised and He is worthy to be [music] praised and He is worthy to be [music] praised and adorned. adorned. adorned. We will lift up holding We will lift up holding We will lift up holding [music and singing] hands with one [music and singing] hands with one [music and singing] hands with one accord. accord. accord. Sing it. Blessed [music] be the name. Sing it. Blessed [music] be the name. Sing it. Blessed [music] be the name. Blessed be the name. Blessed be the name. Blessed be the name. Blessed be [music] the name of the Lord. Blessed be [music] the name of the Lord. Blessed be [music] the name of the Lord. Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] blessed be the name of the Lord. blessed be the name of the Lord. blessed be the name of the Lord. He is worthy to be praised and [music] He is worthy to be praised and [music] He is worthy to be praised and [music] adored. adored. adored. Oh, we were lift up holy hands with one Oh, we were lift up holy hands with one Oh, we were lift up holy hands with one [music] accord. [singing] Oh, singing. Blessed [music] be the Oh, singing. Blessed [music] be the name. Oh, blessed [singing] name. Oh, blessed [singing] name. Oh, blessed [singing] be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the name of the Lord. Oh, [singing] blessed be [music] the name of the blessed be [music] the name of the [singing] Lord. Come on, you got it.

[singing] Lord. Come on, you got it. [singing] Lord. Come on, you got it. He's worthy. He is worthy to [music] be He's worthy. He is worthy to [music] be He's worthy. He is worthy to [music] be praised and [singing] adore. praised and [singing] adore. praised and [singing] adore. Oh, [music] we will lift up holy hands Oh, [music] we will lift up holy hands Oh, [music] we will lift up holy hands with one accord. with one accord. with one accord. Oh, sing blessed be the name. [music] Oh, sing blessed be the name. [music] Oh, sing blessed be the name. [music] Oh, blessed be the name. Oh, blessed Oh, blessed be the name. Oh, blessed Oh, blessed be the name. Oh, blessed [singing] [singing] [singing] be the name [music] be the name [music] be the name [music] of the Lord. Oh, [singing] of the Lord. Oh, [singing] of the Lord. Oh, [singing] sing. Blessed [music] be the name of the sing. Blessed [music] be the name of the sing. Blessed [music] be the name of the Lord. He is worthy. [music] Lord. He is worthy. [music] Lord. He is worthy. [music] He's worthy to be praised and adore. He's worthy to be praised and adore. He's worthy to be praised and adore. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] when you lift up holy hands with one when you lift up holy hands with one when you lift up holy hands with one [singing] of [singing] of [singing] of [music] Oh, sing blessed be the name. [music] Oh, sing blessed be the name. [music] Oh, sing blessed be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the name. Oh, Oh, blessed [music] be the name. Oh, Oh, blessed [music] be the name. Oh, blessed be the name [music] blessed be the name [music] blessed be the name [music] of the Lord. Oh, blessed be the name.

of the Lord. Oh, blessed be the name. of the Lord. Oh, blessed be the name. Blessed [music] be Uhhuh. You got it. Blessed [music] be Uhhuh. You got it. Blessed [music] be Uhhuh. You got it. Come on. Come on. Come on. He's worthy. He worthy [music] to be He's worthy. He worthy [music] to be He's worthy. He worthy [music] to be praised hand of God. praised hand of God. praised hand of God. Oh, we will lift up holy Oh, we will lift up holy Oh, we will lift up holy [music and singing] hands with one of [music and singing] hands with one of [music and singing] hands with one of God. God. God. Singing Singing Singing blessed [music] blessed [music] blessed [music] be the name. Oh, blessed be the name. be the name. Oh, blessed be the name. be the name. Oh, blessed be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the name. Oh, blessed [music] be the name. Now, let's do this. Oh, bless the Lord. Now, let's do this. Oh, bless the Lord. Now, let's do this. Oh, bless the Lord. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, my [music] soul Oh, my [music] soul Oh, my [music] soul had all had all had all God [music] bless his holy bless his holy [music] his holy [music] his holy [music] his holy his holy his holy his holy name. [music] name. [music] name. [music] Oh yes. Come on. Lord [singing] Oh yes. Come on. Lord [singing] Oh yes. Come on. Lord [singing] and I will bless the Lord [music] and I will bless the Lord [music] and I will bless the Lord [music] every chance I get.

every chance I get. every chance I get. I know I know I know that is [music] that is [music] that is [music] within me. I bless within me. I bless within me. I bless his holy [music and singing] his holy name. his holy name. Now why are we going to bless him? Now why are we going to bless him? Now why are we going to bless him? Because he has [music] done great Because he has [music] done great Because he has [music] done great things. Oh great. Aha. He has done [music] great great. Aha. He has done [music] great things. Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] he has done great things. Oh yeah. he has done great things. Oh yeah. he has done great things. Oh yeah. That's [music] why I bless his holy That's [music] why I bless his holy That's [music] why I bless his holy [music] his holy [singing] his holy [singing] name. name. name. Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] I've lost I've lost I've lost I got all [singing] my soul I got all [singing] my soul I got all [singing] my soul [music] and all [music] and all [music] and all of God [singing] of God [singing] of God [singing] is I'm going to bless I'm going to bless is I'm going to bless I'm going to bless is I'm going to bless I'm going to bless his whole Come on, sing lift your voice and sing Come on, sing lift your voice and sing it.

it. it. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I bless the Lord. [singing] and [music and singing] and [music and singing] that is with me. that is with me. that is with me. I'm going to bless [music] I'm going to I'm going to bless [music] I'm going to I'm going to bless [music] I'm going to bless his soul. His holy one. one. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> I bless. god. god. [music] his holy [music] his holy [music] name. Now this is the last time we sing. name. Now this is the last time we sing. name. Now this is the last time we sing. I'm going to lift your hands and say, I'm going to lift your hands and say, I'm going to lift your hands and say, "Oh, I'm blessed. [music] Oh my [singing] soul, Oh my [singing] soul, hello."

hello." hello." [music] Oh, that is [music] Oh, that is [music] Oh, that is I'm going to bless [music] I'm going to I'm going to bless [music] I'm going to I'm going to bless [music] I'm going to bless his holy bless his holy bless his holy [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] his holy his holy his holy name. Oh [music] yes, I will. I bless I name. Oh [music] yes, I will. I bless I name. Oh [music] yes, I will. I bless I bless his soul. [singing] bless his soul. [singing] bless his soul. [singing] Every chance [music] I get, Every chance [music] I get, Every chance [music] I get, every time I think about what you done, every time I think about what you done, every time I think about what you done, I bless your [music] name. I bless your [music] name. I bless your [music] name. Oh, [singing] I will bless his soul. Oh, [singing] I will bless his soul. Oh, [singing] I will bless his soul. He's [music] been good to me. He's [music] been good to me. He's [music] been good to me. He's been good to me. [music] He's been good to me. [music] He's been good to me. [music] That's why I'm blessing. That's why I'm That's why I'm blessing. That's why I'm That's why I'm blessing. That's why I'm praising. I will bless his holy praising. I will bless his holy praising. I will bless his holy his holy [music] his holy his holy name. name. name. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Oh, come on, do it right now. Oh, come on, do it right now. Oh, come on, do it right now. Hallelujah. Come on, bless him.

Hallelujah. Come on, bless him. Hallelujah. Come on, bless him. Wonderful Jesus. [music] Hallelujah. Wonderful Jesus. [music] Hallelujah. Wonderful Jesus. [music] Hallelujah. Glory to God. I bless you. I bless you. Glory to God. I bless you. I bless you. Glory to God. I bless you. I bless you. Yes, God. Yes, God. Yes, God. Rising of the sun Rising of the sun Rising of the sun to the going down of the saint, [music] to the going down of the saint, [music] to the going down of the saint, [music] the name [singing] of the Lord the name [singing] of the Lord the name [singing] of the Lord is praise. Oh, hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Father, [music] we thank you. Father, [music] we thank you. Father, [music] we thank you. We praise you and we magnify [music] We praise you and we magnify [music] We praise you and we magnify [music] your name. your name. your name. You're worthy to be praised. You're worthy to be praised. You're worthy to be praised. We [music and singing] bless your holy We [music and singing] bless your holy We [music and singing] bless your holy name. name. name. Father, we pray right now, Father, we pray right now, Father, we pray right now, [music] thanking you for your spirit in [music] thanking you for your spirit in [music] thanking you for your spirit in this place. this place. this place. Thank you for a [music] powerful hour of Thank you for a [music] powerful hour of Thank you for a [music] powerful hour of prayer. prayer. prayer. And now, Lord, And now, Lord, And now, Lord, as we [music] prepare to receive your as we [music] prepare to receive your as we [music] prepare to receive your word, word, word, let your word fall on suitable [music] let your word fall on suitable [music] let your word fall on suitable [music] soil.

soil. soil. Bless Reverend Jaquil Jackson. Bless Reverend Jaquil Jackson. Bless Reverend Jaquil Jackson. as you have in preparation. [music] as you have in preparation. [music] as you have in preparation. [music] Bless him in presentation. Bless him in presentation. Bless him in presentation. Use him, Lord, right now to speak to Use him, Lord, right now to speak to Use him, Lord, right now to speak to your people. your people. your people. We're hungry for your word. We're hungry for your word. We're hungry for your word. We're hungry for your word, [music] We're hungry for your word, [music] We're hungry for your word, [music] Lord. We hunger for your word. Lord. We hunger for your word. Lord. We hunger for your word. Now, bless us is our prayer [music] in Now, bless us is our prayer [music] in Now, bless us is our prayer [music] in Jesus name. Jesus name. Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. And thank [music] God. Give the Lord a And thank [music] God. Give the Lord a And thank [music] God. Give the Lord a hand of praise, would you? hand of praise, would you? hand of praise, would you? Oh, that'd be all right if it was for Oh, that'd be all right if it was for Oh, that'd be all right if it was for me. [music] me. [music] me. [music] I said, give the Lord a hand of praise. I said, give the Lord a hand of praise. I said, give the Lord a hand of praise. He's worthy to be praised. [music] He's worthy to be praised. [music] He's worthy to be praised. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [applause] [applause] [applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Amen. You may be seated in the [music] Amen. You may be seated in the [music] Amen. You may be seated in the [music] presence of the Lord.

Well, we've reached the final night Well, we've reached the final night [music] [music] [music] of our interns. Reverend Jquel Jackson has some folk in Reverend Jquel Jackson has some folk in the [panting] the [panting] the [panting] sanctuary tonight. [applause and music] >> [music] >> [music] [applause] >> not only ready to pray for him, >> not only ready to pray for him, but to praise the Lord in our midst. but to praise the Lord in our midst. but to praise the Lord in our midst. Amen. I won't hold you any longer. I won't hold you any longer. Please receive Reverend [music] Jaquil Please receive Reverend [music] Jaquil Please receive Reverend [music] Jaquil Jackson as he comes to teach the word of Jackson as he comes to teach the word of Jackson as he comes to teach the word of God tonight. God tonight. God tonight. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [applause] >> Wow. Um, to God be the glory for the >> Wow. Um, to God be the glory for the great things he is doing. I wish you great things he is doing. I wish you great things he is doing. I wish you could have stayed right there. Uh, bless could have stayed right there. Uh, bless could have stayed right there. Uh, bless his holy name.

>> Father, we thank you. [music] >> Father, we thank you. [music] >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. You are most worthy of honor, praise, You are most worthy of honor, praise, You are most worthy of honor, praise, and glory. When I look back over my life When I look back over my life [music] and I see how you blessed me and you and I see how you blessed me and you kept me, provided for me. kept me, provided for me. kept me, provided for me. >> I have no other choice but to say thank >> I have no other choice but to say thank >> I have no other choice but to say thank you. [music] We thank you for this sacred space We thank you for this sacred space called Wheeler Avenue called Wheeler Avenue called Wheeler Avenue and how you continue to meet us here and how you continue to meet us here and how you continue to meet us here daily. Father God, would you speak through me? Father God, would you speak through me? Somebody need a word tonight. Somebody need a word tonight. Somebody need a word tonight. [music] [music] [music] And I pray, oh God, that they won't And I pray, oh God, that they won't And I pray, oh God, that they won't leave without it. leave without it. leave without it. I studied I studied I studied now. Father, would you do what you do now. Father, would you do what you do now. Father, would you do what you do best? best? best? Decrease me and increase you [music] in Decrease me and increase you [music] in Decrease me and increase you [music] in me is my prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

me is my prayer in Jesus name. Amen. me is my prayer in Jesus name. Amen. Can we give God praise for the angel of Can we give God praise for the angel of Can we give God praise for the angel of this house, [music and applause] this house, [music and applause] this house, [music and applause] Pastor Marcus D. Cosby? [music] Pastor Marcus D. Cosby? [music] Pastor Marcus D. Cosby? [music] Can we likewise thank God for our Can we likewise thank God for our Can we likewise thank God for our executive pastor Dr. Johnson executive pastor Dr. Johnson executive pastor Dr. Johnson [applause and music] and for the man that stand behind this and for the man that stand behind this desk weekly. desk weekly. desk weekly. I have a newfound respect for him. I have a newfound respect for him. I have a newfound respect for him. Doctor Doctor Doctor Doctor Doctor Doctor Dr. Roberts. Come on, give God praise Dr. Roberts. Come on, give God praise Dr. Roberts. Come on, give God praise for him. [applause] Not only would I like to honor them, but Not only would I like to honor them, but can I honor the cohorts that's been can I honor the cohorts that's been can I honor the cohorts that's been serving with me for these last eight serving with me for these last eight serving with me for these last eight weeks? [applause] weeks? [applause] weeks? [applause] To Miles Cutter, To Miles Cutter, To Miles Cutter, to Claudia Allen, and to Reverend Swain. to Claudia Allen, and to Reverend Swain. to Claudia Allen, and to Reverend Swain. Amen. [applause] I said at 12:00, they did all the work.

I said at 12:00, they did all the work. I'm just coming to compliment what they I'm just coming to compliment what they I'm just coming to compliment what they did. Amen. Oh yes. You don't have to be modest in Oh yes. You don't have to be modest in here. here. here. There's a familiar text, There's a familiar text, There's a familiar text, Luke chapter 7, Luke chapter 7, Luke chapter 7, verse 11-15. verse 11-15. verse 11-15. Would somebody be so kind to read that Would somebody be so kind to read that Would somebody be so kind to read that for me tonight? Luke chapter 7, the English st standard Luke chapter 7, the English st standard version. Soon afterward he went to a town called Soon afterward he went to a town called Na and his disciples and a great crowd Na and his disciples and a great crowd Na and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the went with him. As he drew near to the went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had gate of the town, behold, a man who had gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son died was being carried out, the only son died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And of his mother, and she was a widow. And of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable crowd from the town was a considerable crowd from the town was a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he with her. And when the Lord saw her, he with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, had compassion on her and said to her, had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."

"Do not weep." "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the beer, Then he came up and touched the beer, Then he came up and touched the beer, and the bearer stood still. And he said, and the bearer stood still. And he said, and the bearer stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And "Young man, I say to you, arise." And "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up and began to speak. the dead man sat up and began to speak. the dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, seized them all, and they glorified God, seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, and I quote, "A great prophet saying, and I quote, "A great prophet saying, and I quote, "A great prophet has risen among us, and God has visited has risen among us, and God has visited has risen among us, and God has visited his people." And this report about him his people." And this report about him his people." And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and spread through the whole of Judea and spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. the word of all the surrounding country. the word of all the surrounding country. the word of God for the people of God. God for the people of God. God for the people of God. >> Amen. Thank you. >> Amen. Thank you. >> Amen. Thank you. I'm a young man. Amen. I'm a young man. Amen. I'm a young man. Amen. >> I'm only 30. >> I'm only 30. >> I'm only 30. But I love the hymns of the church. But I love the hymns of the church. But I love the hymns of the church. >> I go to a church by the name of Willer >> I go to a church by the name of Willer >> I go to a church by the name of Willer Avenue Baptist Church. Avenue Baptist Church. Avenue Baptist Church. 3826 Willer Avenue, Houston, Texas, 3826 Willer Avenue, Houston, Texas, 3826 Willer Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77004 with Pastor 77004 with Pastor 77004 with Pastor Marcus D. Cosby is my pastor.

Marcus D. Cosby is my pastor. Marcus D. Cosby is my pastor. He has a way of making us sing a hymn He has a way of making us sing a hymn He has a way of making us sing a hymn every Sunday, all four stanzas. every Sunday, all four stanzas. every Sunday, all four stanzas. >> And tonight, I don't want to shy away >> And tonight, I don't want to shy away >> And tonight, I don't want to shy away from that same reality. from that same reality. from that same reality. There's a hymn that I love so much that There's a hymn that I love so much that There's a hymn that I love so much that um I've used it in the previous message um I've used it in the previous message um I've used it in the previous message that I preached and tonight I want to that I preached and tonight I want to that I preached and tonight I want to share it in this study. The hymn goes a share it in this study. The hymn goes a share it in this study. The hymn goes a little bit like this. It is so sweet to little bit like this. It is so sweet to little bit like this. It is so sweet to trust in Jesus trust in Jesus trust in Jesus >> just to take him at his word >> just to take him at his word >> just to take him at his word just to rest just to rest just to rest upon his promise upon his promise upon his promise just to know thus sayaith the Lord. just to know thus sayaith the Lord. just to know thus sayaith the Lord. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> I have to admit I heard Marvin Wan >> I have to admit I heard Marvin Wan >> I have to admit I heard Marvin Wan singing a song and because Marvin Wins singing a song and because Marvin Wins singing a song and because Marvin Wins is who he is, he's a great singer, great is who he is, he's a great singer, great is who he is, he's a great singer, great preacher. I said, "Okay, the song has preacher. I said, "Okay, the song has preacher. I said, "Okay, the song has power, but I wonder if the person's power, but I wonder if the person's power, but I wonder if the person's testimony has equally the same amount of testimony has equally the same amount of testimony has equally the same amount of power." So, I did some research and I power." So, I did some research and I power." So, I did some research and I came upon a woman by the name of Louisia came upon a woman by the name of Louisia came upon a woman by the name of Louisia Mr. Stead who was born in England in Mr. Stead who was born in England in Mr. Stead who was born in England in 1850 and gave her life to Christ at the 1850 and gave her life to Christ at the 1850 and gave her life to Christ at the age of nine.

age of nine. age of nine. Though she struggled with poor health, Though she struggled with poor health, Though she struggled with poor health, her desire to serve God never her desire to serve God never her desire to serve God never diminished. diminished. diminished. At 25 or 21, she moved to the United At 25 or 21, she moved to the United At 25 or 21, she moved to the United States with with hope of becoming a States with with hope of becoming a States with with hope of becoming a missionary in China, but her health missionary in China, but her health missionary in China, but her health prevented her from going. It was in the prevented her from going. It was in the prevented her from going. It was in the summer of 1879 when she was enjoying a summer of 1879 when she was enjoying a summer of 1879 when she was enjoying a picnic on on Long Island in New York. picnic on on Long Island in New York. picnic on on Long Island in New York. I'm from New Jersey, so I wanted to put I'm from New Jersey, so I wanted to put I'm from New Jersey, so I wanted to put emphasis on that. With her husband and her four-year-old With her husband and her four-year-old daughter, Lily, it was that day that daughter, Lily, it was that day that daughter, Lily, it was that day that tragedy struck. Hearing the cries of tragedy struck. Hearing the cries of tragedy struck. Hearing the cries of help, Mr. Steed rushed into the water to help, Mr. Steed rushed into the water to help, Mr. Steed rushed into the water to rescue a drowning boy. Both he and the rescue a drowning boy. Both he and the rescue a drowning boy. Both he and the boy drowned. boy drowned. boy drowned. and misted and Lily watched helplessly and misted and Lily watched helplessly and misted and Lily watched helplessly from the shore. from the shore. from the shore. She left that shore widowed and poverty.

and poverty. Louisia continued to trust God. But one Louisia continued to trust God. But one Louisia continued to trust God. But one evening evening evening as she was praying, it was at the empty dinner table that it was at the empty dinner table that she started to talk to her daughter and she started to talk to her daughter and she started to talk to her daughter and a knock came in at the door. a knock came in at the door. a knock came in at the door. Someone had left hot food and an Someone had left hot food and an Someone had left hot food and an envelope full of money. God has a strange way of being faithful God has a strange way of being faithful even in the midst of grief. >> Less than a year later, Louisia and Lily >> Less than a year later, Louisia and Lily answered God's call and went to Africa answered God's call and went to Africa answered God's call and went to Africa as both missionaries. She later as both missionaries. She later as both missionaries. She later remarried and spent the next 37 years remarried and spent the next 37 years remarried and spent the next 37 years serving in Africa, while Lily also serving in Africa, while Lily also serving in Africa, while Lily also became a missionary. became a missionary. became a missionary. Louisiana's story reminds us that God's Louisiana's story reminds us that God's Louisiana's story reminds us that God's redirection is not meant to destroy us redirection is not meant to destroy us redirection is not meant to destroy us but to prepare us for a greater purpose.

but to prepare us for a greater purpose. but to prepare us for a greater purpose. >> What we see in the story of mist >> What we see in the story of mist >> What we see in the story of mist parallels to the widow at name. parallels to the widow at name. parallels to the widow at name. Both were widows who had already Both were widows who had already Both were widows who had already experienced the loss of a husband and experienced the loss of a husband and experienced the loss of a husband and were trying to overwhelm over trying to were trying to overwhelm over trying to were trying to overwhelm over trying to navigate through overwhelming grief. Yet navigate through overwhelming grief. Yet navigate through overwhelming grief. Yet in their darkness, in their darkness, in their darkness, they encountered the compassion and the they encountered the compassion and the they encountered the compassion and the fullness of God. fullness of God. fullness of God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Before we examine the text and this >> Before we examine the text and this >> Before we examine the text and this miracle, it helps to understand the man miracle, it helps to understand the man miracle, it helps to understand the man of God that is used to record it. of God that is used to record it. of God that is used to record it. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke was >> Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke was >> Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke was not one of the twel apostles and did not not one of the twel apostles and did not not one of the twel apostles and did not walk with Jesus during his earthly walk with Jesus during his earthly walk with Jesus during his earthly ministry. ministry. ministry. He he later became a follower of Christ He he later became a follower of Christ He he later became a follower of Christ and traveled with the Apostle Paul who and traveled with the Apostle Paul who and traveled with the Apostle Paul who called him the beloved physician. called him the beloved physician. called him the beloved physician. >> That's your first point if you didn't >> That's your first point if you didn't >> That's your first point if you didn't know. Amen. As a doctor, Luke was careful As a doctor, Luke was careful to observe and to provide accurate to observe and to provide accurate to observe and to provide accurate details.

details. details. Luke was also likely to only be the Luke was also likely to only be the Luke was also likely to only be the gentile recorded in the in the book or gentile recorded in the in the book or gentile recorded in the in the book or the New Testament book I should say. He the New Testament book I should say. He the New Testament book I should say. He wrote with a broad audience in mind wrote with a broad audience in mind wrote with a broad audience in mind emphasizing that Jesus is the savior of emphasizing that Jesus is the savior of emphasizing that Jesus is the savior of the world. And in Luke 1 1-4 he explains the world. And in Luke 1 1-4 he explains the world. And in Luke 1 1-4 he explains that he carefully investigated the that he carefully investigated the that he carefully investigated the eyewitness accounts. eyewitness accounts. eyewitness accounts. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Luke, one of the one of the three Luke, one of the one of the three Luke, one of the one of the three synoptic gospels synoptic gospels synoptic gospels that tells many of the same events, but that tells many of the same events, but that tells many of the same events, but each has its different focus. each has its different focus. each has its different focus. Matthew focused on Jesus as the king. Matthew focused on Jesus as the king. Matthew focused on Jesus as the king. Mark, Jesus the servant. Luke, Jesus the Mark, Jesus the servant. Luke, Jesus the Mark, Jesus the servant. Luke, Jesus the compassionate savior. With that background, Luke introduced us With that background, Luke introduced us to a grieving widow. to a grieving widow. to a grieving widow. She has already buried her husband is She has already buried her husband is She has already buried her husband is and is now on her way to bury her own and is now on her way to bury her own and is now on her way to bury her own son.

son. son. >> But she isn't searching for Jesus or >> But she isn't searching for Jesus or >> But she isn't searching for Jesus or asking for a miracle. Yet before asking for a miracle. Yet before asking for a miracle. Yet before she ever sees him, Jesus sees her. she ever sees him, Jesus sees her. she ever sees him, Jesus sees her. >> That is the where we begin our lesson >> That is the where we begin our lesson >> That is the where we begin our lesson tonight. tonight. tonight. when compassion when compassion when compassion meets hopelessness. meets hopelessness. meets hopelessness. >> Before this day, she had buried her >> Before this day, she had buried her >> Before this day, she had buried her husband. Now, she she's preparing to husband. Now, she she's preparing to husband. Now, she she's preparing to bury her only son. bury her only son. bury her only son. This is not simply an emotional loss. This is not simply an emotional loss. This is not simply an emotional loss. It's economic. It's economic. It's economic. It's social. It's spiritual crisis. It's social. It's spiritual crisis. It's social. It's spiritual crisis. In the first century Jewish culture, In the first century Jewish culture, In the first century Jewish culture, women largely depended upon men to women largely depended upon men to women largely depended upon men to provide for them. provide for them. provide for them. Their household, Their household, Their household, financial provision, protection, legal financial provision, protection, legal financial provision, protection, legal status, inheritance, and security. A status, inheritance, and security. A status, inheritance, and security. A husband wasn't just a companion. He was husband wasn't just a companion. He was husband wasn't just a companion. He was a provider, the protector, the family a provider, the protector, the family a provider, the protector, the family connection to economic stability.

connection to economic stability. connection to economic stability. There were only a few opportunities for There were only a few opportunities for There were only a few opportunities for women to earn a living independently. women to earn a living independently. women to earn a living independently. Without a husband, a widow often became Without a husband, a widow often became Without a husband, a widow often became one of the most vulnerable members of one of the most vulnerable members of one of the most vulnerable members of society, relying on the generosity of society, relying on the generosity of society, relying on the generosity of the relatives or the compassion the relatives or the compassion the relatives or the compassion of the community simply to survive. of the community simply to survive. of the community simply to survive. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But this widow had found a reason to >> But this widow had found a reason to >> But this widow had found a reason to keep going. Though grief had entered her keep going. Though grief had entered her keep going. Though grief had entered her home, she pressed forward. She raised home, she pressed forward. She raised home, she pressed forward. She raised her only son. her only son. her only son. >> Every sacrifice she made, every tear she >> Every sacrifice she made, every tear she >> Every sacrifice she made, every tear she shed, every difficult day she endured shed, every difficult day she endured shed, every difficult day she endured was sustained by the hope that one day was sustained by the hope that one day was sustained by the hope that one day her son would grow older and take care her son would grow older and take care her son would grow older and take care of her. of her. of her. >> All right? He would eventually >> All right? He would eventually >> All right? He would eventually be able to take care of her her old age be able to take care of her her old age be able to take care of her her old age and preserve the family's name, and preserve the family's name, and preserve the family's name, protecting her and providing protecting her and providing protecting her and providing [clears throat] her needs. But in this [clears throat] her needs. But in this [clears throat] her needs. But in this case, it's her son that lies in the case, it's her son that lies in the case, it's her son that lies in the beer, beer, beer, >> which also means her future is also in >> which also means her future is also in >> which also means her future is also in that same beer.

that same beer. that same beer. >> With the death of her only son, she has >> With the death of her only son, she has >> With the death of her only son, she has lost more than the last member of her lost more than the last member of her lost more than the last member of her immediate family. She has lost her immediate family. She has lost her immediate family. She has lost her provider, her protector, her security, provider, her protector, her security, provider, her protector, her security, her inheritance. Can you see it? her inheritance. Can you see it? her inheritance. Can you see it? And every expectation she had for And every expectation she had for And every expectation she had for tomorrow. Humanly speaking, she had tomorrow. Humanly speaking, she had tomorrow. Humanly speaking, she had nothing left. Have you ever been there? nothing left. Have you ever been there? nothing left. Have you ever been there? Had nothing left. And you're waiting on Had nothing left. And you're waiting on Had nothing left. And you're waiting on a compassionate savior to come through a compassionate savior to come through a compassionate savior to come through for you. for you. for you. I want to suggest that perhaps she felt I want to suggest that perhaps she felt I want to suggest that perhaps she felt like Naomi. like Naomi. like Naomi. Overwhelmed by grief and convinced that Overwhelmed by grief and convinced that Overwhelmed by grief and convinced that life has become bitter. Naomi knew this life has become bitter. Naomi knew this life has become bitter. Naomi knew this kind of pain during the severe famine. kind of pain during the severe famine. kind of pain during the severe famine. She left Bethlehem and went with her She left Bethlehem and went with her She left Bethlehem and went with her husband and her two sons seeking to husband and her two sons seeking to husband and her two sons seeking to survive in Moab. survive in Moab. survive in Moab. But there tragedy unfolded. But there tragedy unfolded. But there tragedy unfolded. >> First her husband died. Yeah. >> First her husband died. Yeah. >> First her husband died. Yeah. >> Then her sons married a Moabite woman, >> Then her sons married a Moabite woman, >> Then her sons married a Moabite woman, but they also died, leaving Naomi but they also died, leaving Naomi but they also died, leaving Naomi without a husband, without children, and without a husband, without children, and without a husband, without children, and without a future, which she envisioned.

without a future, which she envisioned. without a future, which she envisioned. When she finished or when she finally When she finished or when she finally When she finished or when she finally returned to Bethlehem, returned to Bethlehem, returned to Bethlehem, the woman recognized her and they was the woman recognized her and they was the woman recognized her and they was talking to her and she they said, talking to her and she they said, talking to her and she they said, "Naomi, how are you?" She said, "Don't "Naomi, how are you?" She said, "Don't "Naomi, how are you?" She said, "Don't call me Naomi. call me Naomi. call me Naomi. >> My name is Mara. Because life has dealt >> My name is Mara. Because life has dealt >> My name is Mara. Because life has dealt with me in such a way that I feel so with me in such a way that I feel so with me in such a way that I feel so bitter. bitter. bitter. >> Her name which was pleasant no longer >> Her name which was pleasant no longer >> Her name which was pleasant no longer reflected her life view. reflected her life view. reflected her life view. >> She believed bitterness had become her >> She believed bitterness had become her >> She believed bitterness had become her new life reality. new life reality. new life reality. >> Perhaps this widow and name felt the >> Perhaps this widow and name felt the >> Perhaps this widow and name felt the same way. She already paid for a funeral same way. She already paid for a funeral same way. She already paid for a funeral for her husband. Now it's her son. She for her husband. Now it's her son. She for her husband. Now it's her son. She has endured the morning rituals, paying has endured the morning rituals, paying has endured the morning rituals, paying for mourers to accompany her for the for mourers to accompany her for the for mourers to accompany her for the second time. She has listened to the second time. She has listened to the second time. She has listened to the cries of the professional mourners. She cries of the professional mourners. She cries of the professional mourners. She has listened to another eulogy. has listened to another eulogy. has listened to another eulogy. She has to walk through the funeral She has to walk through the funeral She has to walk through the funeral service once again. service once again. service once again. >> But now she's walking outside the city >> But now she's walking outside the city >> But now she's walking outside the city gates towards this cemetery to bury the gates towards this cemetery to bury the gates towards this cemetery to bury the last remaining member of her immediate last remaining member of her immediate last remaining member of her immediate family.

family. family. Have you been there before? Have you been there before? Have you been there before? She is burying what she believes is the She is burying what she believes is the She is burying what she believes is the what is left of her future. what is left of her future. what is left of her future. >> But just as you start to think that all >> But just as you start to think that all >> But just as you start to think that all hope is gone, hope is gone, hope is gone, >> you have point two, a divine appointment >> you have point two, a divine appointment >> you have point two, a divine appointment at the gate. at the gate. at the gate. Luke tell us the miracle that takes Luke tell us the miracle that takes Luke tell us the miracle that takes place at Maine, which is a small village place at Maine, which is a small village place at Maine, which is a small village on the slopes of the lower Galilee. on the slopes of the lower Galilee. on the slopes of the lower Galilee. Naine was not a prominent city like Naine was not a prominent city like Naine was not a prominent city like Jerusalem or Capernium. Jerusalem or Capernium. Jerusalem or Capernium. It was a quiet close-knit close-knitted It was a quiet close-knit close-knitted It was a quiet close-knit close-knitted village where everyone knew one another. village where everyone knew one another. village where everyone knew one another. There were little to no privacy. The There were little to no privacy. The There were little to no privacy. The people knew each other's family and people knew each other's family and people knew each other's family and celebrated each other's joy and losses. celebrated each other's joy and losses. celebrated each other's joy and losses. >> So this widow tragedy wasn't private. It >> So this widow tragedy wasn't private. It >> So this widow tragedy wasn't private. It was a community sorrow. was a community sorrow. was a community sorrow. They had likely stood with her when her They had likely stood with her when her They had likely stood with her when her husband died, but watched her with joy husband died, but watched her with joy husband died, but watched her with joy raised her son. And now they're raised her son. And now they're raised her son. And now they're accompanying her to bury this son that accompanying her to bury this son that accompanying her to bury this son that they saw she raised with joy.

they saw she raised with joy. they saw she raised with joy. >> But what's remarkable about this text is >> But what's remarkable about this text is >> But what's remarkable about this text is that Jesus is on his way to her. that Jesus is on his way to her. that Jesus is on his way to her. Luke had just concluded with the account Luke had just concluded with the account Luke had just concluded with the account of the centurion servant in Capernium. of the centurion servant in Capernium. of the centurion servant in Capernium. Capernium Capernium Capernium had become Jesus ministry headquarter in had become Jesus ministry headquarter in had become Jesus ministry headquarter in Galilee. It was a thriving fishing town Galilee. It was a thriving fishing town Galilee. It was a thriving fishing town on the northwestern shore of the Sea of on the northwestern shore of the Sea of on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee and the place where Jesus Galilee and the place where Jesus Galilee and the place where Jesus performed many of his miracles taught in performed many of his miracles taught in performed many of his miracles taught in the synagogue. the synagogue. the synagogue. He healed Peter's mother-in-law. He cast He healed Peter's mother-in-law. He cast He healed Peter's mother-in-law. He cast out demons and he called s several of out demons and he called s several of out demons and he called s several of his disciples. his disciples. his disciples. Crowds instantly, constantly surrounded Crowds instantly, constantly surrounded Crowds instantly, constantly surrounded him there because people knew miracles him there because people knew miracles him there because people knew miracles could happen in Capernium. could happen in Capernium. could happen in Capernium. >> In this previous passage, Jesus never >> In this previous passage, Jesus never >> In this previous passage, Jesus never entered the centuran's house. entered the centuran's house. entered the centuran's house. >> Right? >> Right? >> Right? >> At his word alone, the servant was >> At his word alone, the servant was >> At his word alone, the servant was healed from a distance. The people in healed from a distance. The people in healed from a distance. The people in Capernaum were rejoicing because another Capernaum were rejoicing because another Capernaum were rejoicing because another miracle had taken place.

miracle had taken place. miracle had taken place. Faith had been rewarded. A servant had Faith had been rewarded. A servant had Faith had been rewarded. A servant had been restored and celebration filled the been restored and celebration filled the been restored and celebration filled the city. city. city. But then Jesus leaves. But then Jesus leaves. But then Jesus leaves. Luke gives no explanation for why he's Luke gives no explanation for why he's Luke gives no explanation for why he's running to ma name. running to ma name. running to ma name. No messenger comes asking him to make No messenger comes asking him to make No messenger comes asking him to make the journey. No desperate family reaches the journey. No desperate family reaches the journey. No desperate family reaches out to him. No disciple suggests this out to him. No disciple suggests this out to him. No disciple suggests this trick. The widow never asks for Jesus to trick. The widow never asks for Jesus to trick. The widow never asks for Jesus to come on her stay. come on her stay. come on her stay. >> As far as she concerned, she is already >> As far as she concerned, she is already >> As far as she concerned, she is already fixated on burying her son. fixated on burying her son. fixated on burying her son. >> Yet Jesus begins the journey nearly 25 >> Yet Jesus begins the journey nearly 25 >> Yet Jesus begins the journey nearly 25 miles to name. Yeah. miles to name. Yeah. miles to name. Yeah. >> Now, that's significant because >> Now, that's significant because >> Now, that's significant because traveling 25 miles in the first century traveling 25 miles in the first century traveling 25 miles in the first century meant traveling hours, meant traveling hours, meant traveling hours, >> most likely an entire day to get to >> most likely an entire day to get to >> most likely an entire day to get to another place.

another place. another place. >> Jesus wasn't wandering. He was moving >> Jesus wasn't wandering. He was moving >> Jesus wasn't wandering. He was moving with divine purpose. with divine purpose. with divine purpose. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What appears to everyone else as an >> What appears to everyone else as an >> What appears to everyone else as an ordinary journey was really a reality of ordinary journey was really a reality of ordinary journey was really a reality of a divine appointment. a divine appointment. a divine appointment. Isn't that like Jesus? Isn't that like Jesus? Isn't that like Jesus? Sometimes he's already on his way before Sometimes he's already on his way before Sometimes he's already on his way before you even realize you need him. you even realize you need him. you even realize you need him. >> Sometimes he's answering your prayers >> Sometimes he's answering your prayers >> Sometimes he's answering your prayers that you haven't already prayed yet. that you haven't already prayed yet. that you haven't already prayed yet. >> Sometimes his compassion reaches you >> Sometimes his compassion reaches you >> Sometimes his compassion reaches you before your faith does. before your faith does. before your faith does. >> This widow never asks for Jesus because >> This widow never asks for Jesus because >> This widow never asks for Jesus because she never imagined he would come. Yet she never imagined he would come. Yet she never imagined he would come. Yet she was making preparations for a she was making preparations for a she was making preparations for a funeral. funeral. funeral. >> Yeah. Jesus was making preparations for >> Yeah. Jesus was making preparations for >> Yeah. Jesus was making preparations for the miracle. the miracle. the miracle. As the funeral possession slowly made As the funeral possession slowly made As the funeral possession slowly made its way towards the city gate, the widow its way towards the city gate, the widow its way towards the city gate, the widow was surrounded by a large crowd. was surrounded by a large crowd. was surrounded by a large crowd. According to Jewish custom, family According to Jewish custom, family According to Jewish custom, family members and neighbors and even the members and neighbors and even the members and neighbors and even the professional mourers had to accompany professional mourers had to accompany professional mourers had to accompany the deceased burial. She was not walking the deceased burial. She was not walking the deceased burial. She was not walking alone. Yet grief has a way of making you alone. Yet grief has a way of making you alone. Yet grief has a way of making you feel isolated even in the middle of a feel isolated even in the middle of a feel isolated even in the middle of a crowd.

crowd. crowd. >> Imagine her in a possession. Her >> Imagine her in a possession. Her >> Imagine her in a possession. Her shoulders are slumped shoulders are slumped shoulders are slumped beneath the crushing weight of her beneath the crushing weight of her beneath the crushing weight of her sorrow. Her eyes are fixed on the ground sorrow. Her eyes are fixed on the ground sorrow. Her eyes are fixed on the ground through tears. She isn't looking for through tears. She isn't looking for through tears. She isn't looking for anyone because grief had narrowed her anyone because grief had narrowed her anyone because grief had narrowed her vision. vision. vision. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> When your heart is broken, it becomes >> When your heart is broken, it becomes >> When your heart is broken, it becomes difficult to see beyond your pain. But difficult to see beyond your pain. But difficult to see beyond your pain. But Luke tells us that they meet at a gate Luke tells us that they meet at a gate Luke tells us that they meet at a gate in the city and the details are in the city and the details are in the city and the details are profoundly significant. profoundly significant. profoundly significant. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> I told you at the top of the message, >> I told you at the top of the message, >> I told you at the top of the message, Luke was a physician. So, he made sure Luke was a physician. So, he made sure Luke was a physician. So, he made sure to be careful with every detail. to be careful with every detail. to be careful with every detail. >> So, don't miss this. The city gate was >> So, don't miss this. The city gate was >> So, don't miss this. The city gate was far more than an entrance or exit. It far more than an entrance or exit. It far more than an entrance or exit. It was the center of public life. It was was the center of public life. It was was the center of public life. It was where the elders sat to administrate. It where the elders sat to administrate. It where the elders sat to administrate. It was where legal disputes were settled. was where legal disputes were settled. was where legal disputes were settled. It was where business was conducted. It It was where business was conducted. It It was where business was conducted. It was where travelers entered. It was was where travelers entered. It was was where travelers entered. It was where the community gathered.

where the community gathered. where the community gathered. The gate represented authority, The gate represented authority, The gate represented authority, security, and belonging. security, and belonging. security, and belonging. But now this was a place of transition But now this was a place of transition But now this was a place of transition >> because Jewish burials took place >> because Jewish burials took place >> because Jewish burials took place outside of the city. The funeral had to outside of the city. The funeral had to outside of the city. The funeral had to walk down the hill to the gate to get to walk down the hill to the gate to get to walk down the hill to the gate to get to the burial. the burial. the burial. All right. All right. All right. >> She passes the city gate, the place of >> She passes the city gate, the place of >> She passes the city gate, the place of justice justice justice where it seems death had won. She passes where it seems death had won. She passes where it seems death had won. She passes through the place of authority, but no through the place of authority, but no through the place of authority, but no human authority can overturn human authority can overturn human authority can overturn the sentence, the sentence of death. the sentence, the sentence of death. the sentence, the sentence of death. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But then another authority arrives. >> But then another authority arrives. >> But then another authority arrives. >> At the gate, two processions are >> At the gate, two processions are >> At the gate, two processions are meeting. One crowd is leaving the city meeting. One crowd is leaving the city meeting. One crowd is leaving the city carrying death. The other crowd is carrying death. The other crowd is carrying death. The other crowd is entering the city following the Arthur entering the city following the Arthur entering the city following the Arthur of life. One procession is filled with of life. One procession is filled with of life. One procession is filled with tears. The other one is filled with the tears. The other one is filled with the tears. The other one is filled with the one who can wipe away your tears. one who can wipe away your tears. one who can wipe away your tears. >> One crowd believes the story is over.

>> One crowd believes the story is over. >> One crowd believes the story is over. >> The other is following the one who >> The other is following the one who >> The other is following the one who specialized in rewriting your endings. specialized in rewriting your endings. specialized in rewriting your endings. >> The gate becomes more than a location. >> The gate becomes more than a location. >> The gate becomes more than a location. It becomes the meeting place between It becomes the meeting place between It becomes the meeting place between death and life, despair and hope, death and life, despair and hope, death and life, despair and hope, human helplessness and divine passion. human helplessness and divine passion. human helplessness and divine passion. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Before the widow ever reaches the >> Before the widow ever reaches the >> Before the widow ever reaches the cemetery, Jesus met her at the gate. cemetery, Jesus met her at the gate. cemetery, Jesus met her at the gate. >> Before death can have the final word, >> Before death can have the final word, >> Before death can have the final word, the Lord of life steps into the story. the Lord of life steps into the story. the Lord of life steps into the story. Sometime God doesn't wait until you Sometime God doesn't wait until you Sometime God doesn't wait until you arrive at your breaking point. He arrive at your breaking point. He arrive at your breaking point. He intercedes while you're on your way intercedes while you're on your way intercedes while you're on your way there. Amen. there. Amen. there. Amen. >> That's the beauty of divine >> That's the beauty of divine >> That's the beauty of divine appointments. Even when you don't know appointments. Even when you don't know appointments. Even when you don't know where God is, he's already knowing where God is, he's already knowing where God is, he's already knowing exactly where to find you. exactly where to find you. exactly where to find you. >> I want to suggest, not only is it that >> I want to suggest, not only is it that >> I want to suggest, not only is it that we should pay attention to the gate, but we should pay attention to the gate, but we should pay attention to the gate, but we want to also acknowledge that God we want to also acknowledge that God we want to also acknowledge that God intentionally sees her. And that's your intentionally sees her. And that's your intentionally sees her. And that's your third point. third point. third point. >> You've been wondering if Jesus sees you >> You've been wondering if Jesus sees you >> You've been wondering if Jesus sees you dealing with the hardships of life. And dealing with the hardships of life. And dealing with the hardships of life. And I come to reassure you tonight, he does.

I come to reassure you tonight, he does. I come to reassure you tonight, he does. I'm convinced he have us all in this I'm convinced he have us all in this I'm convinced he have us all in this space for a reason. space for a reason. space for a reason. >> When the Lord saw her in Luke 7:13, it >> When the Lord saw her in Luke 7:13, it >> When the Lord saw her in Luke 7:13, it says he when the Lord saw her, says he when the Lord saw her, says he when the Lord saw her, Luke could have written when the Lord Luke could have written when the Lord Luke could have written when the Lord saw the dead man. saw the dead man. saw the dead man. >> After all, the miracle centers on the >> After all, the miracle centers on the >> After all, the miracle centers on the son being raised. But before Jesus son being raised. But before Jesus son being raised. But before Jesus addressed the corpse, he acknowledged addressed the corpse, he acknowledged addressed the corpse, he acknowledged the mother. the mother. the mother. >> Yeah. Jesus never disregarded the son, but his intentions disregarded the son, but his intentions was fixated on recovering the mother. was fixated on recovering the mother. was fixated on recovering the mother. >> Jesus sees her before he sees her >> Jesus sees her before he sees her >> Jesus sees her before he sees her problem. And that's significant because problem. And that's significant because problem. And that's significant because Jesus isn't just looking at your present Jesus isn't just looking at your present Jesus isn't just looking at your present circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. He's looking at how the circumstances He's looking at how the circumstances He's looking at how the circumstances cause eternal damage. cause eternal damage. cause eternal damage. >> Jesus sees her disposition. >> Jesus sees her disposition. >> Jesus sees her disposition. He sees the exhaustion of the grief, how He sees the exhaustion of the grief, how He sees the exhaustion of the grief, how it's etched across her face. He sees her it's etched across her face. He sees her it's etched across her face. He sees her shoulders weighed down by the years of shoulders weighed down by the years of shoulders weighed down by the years of sorrow. He sees her eyes swollen from sorrow. He sees her eyes swollen from sorrow. He sees her eyes swollen from tears. He sees a woman whose strength tears. He sees a woman whose strength tears. He sees a woman whose strength has been depleted and whose hope has has been depleted and whose hope has has been depleted and whose hope has nearly disappeared.

nearly disappeared. nearly disappeared. He sees her agency. He sees her agency. He sees her agency. This is not merely a grieving mother. This is not merely a grieving mother. This is not merely a grieving mother. This is a woman who carried unimaginable This is a woman who carried unimaginable This is a woman who carried unimaginable responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. >> She buried her husband. >> She buried her husband. >> She buried her husband. >> Didn't I tell you that? >> Didn't I tell you that? >> Didn't I tell you that? >> Endured widowhood, worked to survive, >> Endured widowhood, worked to survive, >> Endured widowhood, worked to survive, and faithfully raised her only son. and faithfully raised her only son. and faithfully raised her only son. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> She has done everything within her >> She has done everything within her >> She has done everything within her power. And now she stands before a power. And now she stands before a power. And now she stands before a situation where her own strength can't situation where her own strength can't situation where her own strength can't take her no further. She sees her take her no further. She sees her take her no further. She sees her unspoken pain. She never asks Jesus for unspoken pain. She never asks Jesus for unspoken pain. She never asks Jesus for help. She never falls at his feet. She help. She never falls at his feet. She help. She never falls at his feet. She never cries out like blind Barthamus. never cries out like blind Barthamus. never cries out like blind Barthamus. I want to suggest that over this last I want to suggest that over this last I want to suggest that over this last month, we've been talking about the month, we've been talking about the month, we've been talking about the series of miracles. We've seen different series of miracles. We've seen different series of miracles. We've seen different responses to Jesus. Reverend Cutter responses to Jesus. Reverend Cutter responses to Jesus. Reverend Cutter preached about the demaniac preached about the demaniac preached about the demaniac who cried out in his torment. Reverend who cried out in his torment. Reverend who cried out in his torment. Reverend Allan reminded us of the woman with the Allan reminded us of the woman with the Allan reminded us of the woman with the issue of blood who reached out and issue of blood who reached out and issue of blood who reached out and touched the hymn of Jesus. Reverend touched the hymn of Jesus. Reverend touched the hymn of Jesus. Reverend Swain showed us that Gyrus boldly coming Swain showed us that Gyrus boldly coming Swain showed us that Gyrus boldly coming to Jesus on behalf of his dying to Jesus on behalf of his dying to Jesus on behalf of his dying daughter.

daughter. daughter. >> But the widow does not do any of these. >> But the widow does not do any of these. >> But the widow does not do any of these. >> She's never she's not reaching out to >> She's never she's not reaching out to >> She's never she's not reaching out to Jesus Jesus Jesus >> and she never cries out to him. >> and she never cries out to him. >> and she never cries out to him. >> She never sent the request for help. >> She never sent the request for help. >> She never sent the request for help. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> Luke records no words from her at all. >> Luke records no words from her at all. >> Luke records no words from her at all. >> Her >> Her >> Her uncomfort uncomfort uncomfort >> was displayed through her tears. >> was displayed through her tears. >> was displayed through her tears. >> Yet Jesus understands what she never >> Yet Jesus understands what she never >> Yet Jesus understands what she never says. says. says. >> Before he ever speaks to the son, he >> Before he ever speaks to the son, he >> Before he ever speaks to the son, he ministers to the mother. ministers to the mother. ministers to the mother. >> That reminds us of this profound truth. >> That reminds us of this profound truth. >> That reminds us of this profound truth. God always sees the person before he God always sees the person before he God always sees the person before he addresses the problem. addresses the problem. addresses the problem. >> He often becomes consumed with acts. >> He often becomes consumed with acts. >> He often becomes consumed with acts. Well, we often become consumed with Well, we often become consumed with Well, we often become consumed with asking God to fix our circumstances. But asking God to fix our circumstances. But asking God to fix our circumstances. But God is first concerned with us. Before God is first concerned with us. Before God is first concerned with us. Before he change our situation, he first has to he change our situation, he first has to he change our situation, he first has to com comfort your heart. com comfort your heart. com comfort your heart. >> Before he removes your burden, he has to >> Before he removes your burden, he has to >> Before he removes your burden, he has to first remind you that you don't have to first remind you that you don't have to first remind you that you don't have to carry it alone.

carry it alone. carry it alone. >> You might ask, why am I saying this? >> You might ask, why am I saying this? >> You might ask, why am I saying this? Because is there a problem that Jesus Because is there a problem that Jesus Because is there a problem that Jesus can't solve? can't solve? can't solve? Is there a surprise that overrides Is there a surprise that overrides Is there a surprise that overrides Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? >> Nothing overwhelms him. >> Nothing overwhelms him. >> Nothing overwhelms him. >> Nothing exceeds his authority. >> Nothing exceeds his authority. >> Nothing exceeds his authority. Jeremiah declares, "Behold, you have Jeremiah declares, "Behold, you have Jeremiah declares, "Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your made the heavens and the earth by your made the heavens and the earth by your power, your great power, and your power, your great power, and your power, your great power, and your outstretched arms. There is nothing too outstretched arms. There is nothing too outstretched arms. There is nothing too hard for you." Gabriel told Mary, "For hard for you." Gabriel told Mary, "For hard for you." Gabriel told Mary, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible." with God, nothing shall be impossible." with God, nothing shall be impossible." Jesus himself declared, "With man, this Jesus himself declared, "With man, this Jesus himself declared, "With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things is impossible, but with God, all things is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." are possible." are possible." >> Since God had never encountered a >> Since God had never encountered a >> Since God had never encountered a problem he couldn't solve, his greatest problem he couldn't solve, his greatest problem he couldn't solve, his greatest concern wasn't the problem in this text. concern wasn't the problem in this text. concern wasn't the problem in this text. It is simply the person that's carrying It is simply the person that's carrying It is simply the person that's carrying it. it. it. >> The crowd saw a funeral. Jesus saw a >> The crowd saw a funeral. Jesus saw a >> The crowd saw a funeral. Jesus saw a daughter. The crowd saw death. Jesus saw daughter. The crowd saw death. Jesus saw daughter. The crowd saw death. Jesus saw despair. The crowd saw the beer. Jesus despair. The crowd saw the beer. Jesus despair. The crowd saw the beer. Jesus focused on the broken heart. The same focused on the broken heart. The same focused on the broken heart. The same truth extends to us today. Jesus sees truth extends to us today. Jesus sees truth extends to us today. Jesus sees your weariness your weariness your weariness >> before he removes the weight.

>> before he removes the weight. >> before he removes the weight. >> He sees your disappointment. You've been >> He sees your disappointment. You've been >> He sees your disappointment. You've been applying to job to job to job. And you applying to job to job to job. And you applying to job to job to job. And you see the denial, denial, denial. see the denial, denial, denial. see the denial, denial, denial. >> But there's an open door on its way. >> But there's an open door on its way. >> But there's an open door on its way. >> He sees your fear before he calms the >> He sees your fear before he calms the >> He sees your fear before he calms the storm. He sees the tears you hitting in storm. He sees the tears you hitting in storm. He sees the tears you hitting in the prayers you never spoken the burden the prayers you never spoken the burden the prayers you never spoken the burden you carried in silence in the questions you carried in silence in the questions you carried in silence in the questions you've been afraid to ask but we have to you've been afraid to ask but we have to you've been afraid to ask but we have to encourage oursel through the word surely encourage oursel through the word surely encourage oursel through the word surely Isaiah says inif in chapter 59 the Lord Isaiah says inif in chapter 59 the Lord Isaiah says inif in chapter 59 the Lord hand is not too short that it cannot hand is not too short that it cannot hand is not too short that it cannot save nor is his ear dull that it cannot save nor is his ear dull that it cannot save nor is his ear dull that it cannot hear hear hear >> his arm is never his arm has never lost >> his arm is never his arm has never lost >> his arm is never his arm has never lost its strength its strength its strength and his ear has never stopped listening. and his ear has never stopped listening. and his ear has never stopped listening. Even when you can offer God your tears, Even when you can offer God your tears, Even when you can offer God your tears, he understands. he understands. he understands. Even when your pain has stolen your Even when your pain has stolen your Even when your pain has stolen your words, heaven still hears your heart.

words, heaven still hears your heart. words, heaven still hears your heart. >> Paul writes with this, "The Spirit >> Paul writes with this, "The Spirit >> Paul writes with this, "The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings himself intercedes for us with groanings himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." too deep for words." too deep for words." >> Sometimes the language of heaven is not >> Sometimes the language of heaven is not >> Sometimes the language of heaven is not spoken with our lips, but carried by our spoken with our lips, but carried by our spoken with our lips, but carried by our tears. Before Jesus raised the son, he tears. Before Jesus raised the son, he tears. Before Jesus raised the son, he recognized the suffering of a mother. recognized the suffering of a mother. recognized the suffering of a mother. And before God changes your And before God changes your And before God changes your circumstances, he first assures you that circumstances, he first assures you that circumstances, he first assures you that he sees you. he sees you. he sees you. >> But can I push it further? >> But can I push it further? >> But can I push it further? >> Not only is it a divine appointment at >> Not only is it a divine appointment at >> Not only is it a divine appointment at the gate and it the fact that he sees the gate and it the fact that he sees the gate and it the fact that he sees you, Jesus has now your point number you, Jesus has now your point number you, Jesus has now your point number four. four. four. Jesus meets this woman with compassion Jesus meets this woman with compassion Jesus meets this woman with compassion that moves. that moves. that moves. The text says that Jesus said to her, The text says that Jesus said to her, The text says that Jesus said to her, "Don't weep." And I have to admit, if I "Don't weep." And I have to admit, if I "Don't weep." And I have to admit, if I was burying my son, I would be highly was burying my son, I would be highly was burying my son, I would be highly upset. upset. upset. So if you was to come to me and tell me So if you was to come to me and tell me So if you was to come to me and tell me don't cry, I'm not saying I would punch don't cry, I'm not saying I would punch don't cry, I'm not saying I would punch Jesus in the face, but I might punch the Jesus in the face, but I might punch the Jesus in the face, but I might punch the person that's in my face.

After all, the willow the widow is After all, the willow the widow is walking in the funeral possession with walking in the funeral possession with walking in the funeral possession with her only son. She has every reason to her only son. She has every reason to her only son. She has every reason to grieve. Her tears are neither too grieve. Her tears are neither too grieve. Her tears are neither too excessive nor inappropriate for the excessive nor inappropriate for the excessive nor inappropriate for the moment. They're not nearly a natural moment. They're not nearly a natural moment. They're not nearly a natural expression, expression, expression, but it's an expression because of but it's an expression because of but it's an expression because of profound loss. profound loss. profound loss. >> The command, however, is not a rebuke of >> The command, however, is not a rebuke of >> The command, however, is not a rebuke of her sorrow. Jesus is not telling her her sorrow. Jesus is not telling her her sorrow. Jesus is not telling her that grief is wrong or that faith leaves that grief is wrong or that faith leaves that grief is wrong or that faith leaves no room for tears. Throughout scripture, no room for tears. Throughout scripture, no room for tears. Throughout scripture, lament is honored as a faithful response lament is honored as a faithful response lament is honored as a faithful response to suffering. And Jesus himself would to suffering. And Jesus himself would to suffering. And Jesus himself would never would later weep at the tomb of never would later weep at the tomb of never would later weep at the tomb of Lazarus. Yeah, Lazarus. Yeah, Lazarus. Yeah, >> he is not dismissing her pain. He is >> he is not dismissing her pain. He is >> he is not dismissing her pain. He is speaking into it. speaking into it. speaking into it. >> The expression don't weep is naturally >> The expression don't weep is naturally >> The expression don't weep is naturally understood as stop crying. >> Yet even this should not be heard as a >> Yet even this should not be heard as a demand to suppress your emotions. demand to suppress your emotions. demand to suppress your emotions. Rather, it's a compassionate word spoken Rather, it's a compassionate word spoken Rather, it's a compassionate word spoken by the one who fully understands what by the one who fully understands what by the one who fully understands what you're going through. Jesus alone can you're going through. Jesus alone can you're going through. Jesus alone can speak only speak this way because he speak only speak this way because he speak only speak this way because he knows what she don't know yet.

knows what she don't know yet. knows what she don't know yet. >> His words are not empty comfort. They >> His words are not empty comfort. They >> His words are not empty comfort. They are words spoken with divine authority are words spoken with divine authority are words spoken with divine authority and grounded in the certainty of what and grounded in the certainty of what and grounded in the certainty of what he's about to do. he's about to do. he's about to do. >> Throughout the gospel, Jesus often >> Throughout the gospel, Jesus often >> Throughout the gospel, Jesus often speaks before he acts. His words are speaks before he acts. His words are speaks before he acts. His words are never wishful thinking. They are never wishful thinking. They are never wishful thinking. They are declarations of divine authority that declarations of divine authority that declarations of divine authority that anticipates his saving work. anticipates his saving work. anticipates his saving work. You know the Samaritan woman where he You know the Samaritan woman where he You know the Samaritan woman where he says, "If you knew the gift of God says, "If you knew the gift of God says, "If you knew the gift of God >> and you knew who you was talking to, >> and you knew who you was talking to, >> and you knew who you was talking to, >> you would give me a drink of water." >> you would give me a drink of water." >> you would give me a drink of water." >> But she still questioned. You would have asked him, You would have asked him, "What do you mean by that?" "What do you mean by that?" "What do you mean by that?" But Jesus is saying, "I am the living But Jesus is saying, "I am the living But Jesus is saying, "I am the living water." water." water." >> Yeah. And if you believe on me, you will >> Yeah. And if you believe on me, you will >> Yeah. And if you believe on me, you will have everlasting water. have everlasting water. have everlasting water. >> She is She did not yet recognize who >> She is She did not yet recognize who >> She is She did not yet recognize who stood before her, but Jesus did. His stood before her, but Jesus did. His stood before her, but Jesus did. His words prepared her to receive grace, and words prepared her to receive grace, and words prepared her to receive grace, and he was ready to reveal it.

he was ready to reveal it. he was ready to reveal it. >> The same pattern appears over and over >> The same pattern appears over and over >> The same pattern appears over and over in his ministry. Before he calms the in his ministry. Before he calms the in his ministry. Before he calms the storm, he challenged the disciples. storm, he challenged the disciples. storm, he challenged the disciples. Before raising a daughter, he says, Before raising a daughter, he says, Before raising a daughter, he says, "Don't fear." Before calling Lazarus out "Don't fear." Before calling Lazarus out "Don't fear." Before calling Lazarus out the tomb, he declares, "I am the the tomb, he declares, "I am the the tomb, he declares, "I am the resurrection and life." resurrection and life." resurrection and life." >> Jesus words consistently preceded his >> Jesus words consistently preceded his >> Jesus words consistently preceded his works because his words itself carries works because his words itself carries works because his words itself carries divine authority. divine authority. divine authority. >> He speaks not merely to encourage but to >> He speaks not merely to encourage but to >> He speaks not merely to encourage but to reve to reveal what it is about to that reve to reveal what it is about to that reve to reveal what it is about to that is about to come to reality. is about to come to reality. is about to come to reality. So when Jesus says to the widow, "Stop So when Jesus says to the widow, "Stop So when Jesus says to the widow, "Stop crying." He's not asking her to deny her crying." He's not asking her to deny her crying." He's not asking her to deny her grief. He is speaking to the sovereign grief. He is speaking to the sovereign grief. He is speaking to the sovereign Lord. Lord. Lord. Speaking as the sovereign Lord who would Speaking as the sovereign Lord who would Speaking as the sovereign Lord who would create new possibilities where there was create new possibilities where there was create new possibilities where there was none that could exist. If she had fully none that could exist. If she had fully none that could exist. If she had fully known who stood before her, the one whom known who stood before her, the one whom known who stood before her, the one whom life itself came into being, she would life itself came into being, she would life itself came into being, she would have understood that the despair never have understood that the despair never have understood that the despair never has the final word in his presence.

has the final word in his presence. has the final word in his presence. Before he changes her circumstance, he Before he changes her circumstance, he Before he changes her circumstance, he addressed her heart. addressed her heart. addressed her heart. >> His command is not insensitive. It is >> His command is not insensitive. It is >> His command is not insensitive. It is not an invitation to trust the one, not an invitation to trust the one, not an invitation to trust the one, but it's the one. Well, let me repeat but it's the one. Well, let me repeat but it's the one. Well, let me repeat that. His command is not insensitive. Is that. His command is not insensitive. Is that. His command is not insensitive. Is it is a invitation to trust the one it is a invitation to trust the one it is a invitation to trust the one whose authority extends even over the whose authority extends even over the whose authority extends even over the deepest human sorrow. deepest human sorrow. deepest human sorrow. >> Can I submit one more point? >> Can I submit one more point? >> Can I submit one more point? >> Jesus touches what religion cannot. >> The text then said, "Then Jesus does >> The text then said, "Then Jesus does something astonishing." Luke tells us, something astonishing." Luke tells us, something astonishing." Luke tells us, "Help "Help "Help came up and touched this beer. came up and touched this beer. came up and touched this beer. Now you have to understand in this day Now you have to understand in this day Now you have to understand in this day the beer is not a traditional casket. the beer is not a traditional casket. the beer is not a traditional casket. It's a open frame coffin in a sense. So the child's body coffin in a sense. So the child's body is visible is visible is visible and Jesus has the audacity to touch what and Jesus has the audacity to touch what and Jesus has the audacity to touch what is dead.

is dead. is dead. Everyone watching would have noticed the Everyone watching would have noticed the Everyone watching would have noticed the significance in his action. But you have significance in his action. But you have significance in his action. But you have to know according to the law of Moses, to know according to the law of Moses, to know according to the law of Moses, touching dead things touching dead things touching dead things were required for you to be cleansed for were required for you to be cleansed for were required for you to be cleansed for a certain amount of time. a certain amount of time. a certain amount of time. >> Even touching objects associated with >> Even touching objects associated with >> Even touching objects associated with death communicated ceremonial death communicated ceremonial death communicated ceremonial defilement. defilement. defilement. For that reason, a few Jews would only For that reason, a few Jews would only For that reason, a few Jews would only avoid touching contact unless it was avoid touching contact unless it was avoid touching contact unless it was necessary. necessary. necessary. Death represented the effects of sin in Death represented the effects of sin in Death represented the effects of sin in a fallen world in the ceremonial a fallen world in the ceremonial a fallen world in the ceremonial uncleanliness reminded us of Israel that uncleanliness reminded us of Israel that uncleanliness reminded us of Israel that death separated humanity from the holy death separated humanity from the holy death separated humanity from the holy presence of God. Yet, but God presence of God. Yet, but God presence of God. Yet, but God intentionally touches this person. intentionally touches this person. intentionally touches this person. >> He moves to death. >> He moves to death. >> He moves to death. what everybody else is trying to avoid. what everybody else is trying to avoid. what everybody else is trying to avoid. >> Throughout the gospel, Jesus repeatedly >> Throughout the gospel, Jesus repeatedly >> Throughout the gospel, Jesus repeatedly touched what was considerable touched what was considerable touched what was considerable untouchable.

untouchable. untouchable. >> The leper who was sick, the blind, and >> The leper who was sick, the blind, and >> The leper who was sick, the blind, and now the dead. Rather than becoming now the dead. Rather than becoming now the dead. Rather than becoming defiled by the thing that he touches, defiled by the thing that he touches, defiled by the thing that he touches, his holiness transformed them. His his holiness transformed them. His his holiness transformed them. His purity is not diminished by purity is not diminished by purity is not diminished by uncleanliness. His holiness now drives uncleanliness. His holiness now drives uncleanliness. His holiness now drives out the uncleanliness. out the uncleanliness. out the uncleanliness. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> This is not just one of Jesus Jesus trying to prove a point. trying to prove a point. trying to prove a point. >> He's trying to tell you the reason why >> He's trying to tell you the reason why >> He's trying to tell you the reason why he came to die. he came to die. he came to die. >> This is one of the clearest >> This is one of the clearest >> This is one of the clearest demonstrations that Jesus is more than a demonstrations that Jesus is more than a demonstrations that Jesus is more than a prophet. Under the Old Testament, prophet. Under the Old Testament, prophet. Under the Old Testament, uncleanliness spread and from unclean we uncleanliness spread and from unclean we uncleanliness spread and from unclean we had to go to clean. But in the presence had to go to clean. But in the presence had to go to clean. But in the presence of Jesus, the opposite occurs. Life of Jesus, the opposite occurs. Life of Jesus, the opposite occurs. Life overcomes death. Holiness overcomes overcomes death. Holiness overcomes overcomes death. Holiness overcomes defilement. Purity overcomes corruption.

defilement. Purity overcomes corruption. defilement. Purity overcomes corruption. The direction of power has now been The direction of power has now been The direction of power has now been reversed because the holy one has reversed because the holy one has reversed because the holy one has entered the world. Yeah. entered the world. Yeah. entered the world. Yeah. >> The touch itself is deeply significant >> The touch itself is deeply significant >> The touch itself is deeply significant because Jesus speaks a word. He because Jesus speaks a word. He because Jesus speaks a word. He identifies himself with the grieving identifies himself with the grieving identifies himself with the grieving family and confronts the new reality family and confronts the new reality family and confronts the new reality that has brought them such sorrow. He is that has brought them such sorrow. He is that has brought them such sorrow. He is not intimidated by your situation. not intimidated by your situation. not intimidated by your situation. >> He is not intimidated by death >> He is not intimidated by death >> He is not intimidated by death >> because death is not sovereign. He is >> because death is not sovereign. He is >> because death is not sovereign. He is >> what society has deemed as beyond hope. >> what society has deemed as beyond hope. >> what society has deemed as beyond hope. What has the law of lum of human What has the law of lum of human What has the law of lum of human reasoning labeled as total loss? What reasoning labeled as total loss? What reasoning labeled as total loss? What situation has situation has situation has have others pronounced dead, have others pronounced dead, have others pronounced dead, finished, irreversible? Jesus is now finished, irreversible? Jesus is now finished, irreversible? Jesus is now saying I can repair. saying I can repair. saying I can repair. Those are often the places that Jesus Those are often the places that Jesus Those are often the places that Jesus draw near. He is not deterred by the draw near. He is not deterred by the draw near. He is not deterred by the verdict of the culture that you're verdict of the culture that you're verdict of the culture that you're currently living in. He's not deterred currently living in. He's not deterred currently living in. He's not deterred by the limitations of human wisdom or by the limitations of human wisdom or by the limitations of human wisdom or even the finality that death appears to even the finality that death appears to even the finality that death appears to represent. He stands before every represent. He stands before every represent. He stands before every impossible circumstance and asks a impossible circumstance and asks a impossible circumstance and asks a question. Do you believe? Yeah.

question. Do you believe? Yeah. question. Do you believe? Yeah. >> Not because faith creates the miracle, >> Not because faith creates the miracle, >> Not because faith creates the miracle, but because faith looked beyond the but because faith looked beyond the but because faith looked beyond the impossibilities to the one whom nothing impossibilities to the one whom nothing impossibilities to the one whom nothing is impossible. is impossible. is impossible. >> Only Jesus can speak to death. >> Only Jesus can speak to death. >> Only Jesus can speak to death. >> After touching the beard, Jesus simply >> After touching the beard, Jesus simply >> After touching the beard, Jesus simply says, "Young man, I say to you, rise." says, "Young man, I say to you, rise." says, "Young man, I say to you, rise." There is no prayer. There's no appeal to There is no prayer. There's no appeal to There is no prayer. There's no appeal to a higher authority. There's no a higher authority. There's no a higher authority. There's no elaborative elaborative ceremony or elaborative elaborative ceremony or elaborative elaborative ceremony or ritual. The prophet of the Old Testament ritual. The prophet of the Old Testament ritual. The prophet of the Old Testament prayed earnestly for the Lord to act prayed earnestly for the Lord to act prayed earnestly for the Lord to act because they depended on the power of because they depended on the power of because they depended on the power of God. God. God. >> But Jesus speaks differently. He does >> But Jesus speaks differently. He does >> But Jesus speaks differently. He does not ask the father to raise the young not ask the father to raise the young not ask the father to raise the young man. He commands the dead to rise. man. He commands the dead to rise. man. He commands the dead to rise. >> Those four words reveal his divine >> Those four words reveal his divine >> Those four words reveal his divine authority. authority. authority. >> Death itself obeys the voice of its >> Death itself obeys the voice of its >> Death itself obeys the voice of its creator. Yeah. creator. Yeah. creator. Yeah. >> Throughout scripture, God alone has the >> Throughout scripture, God alone has the >> Throughout scripture, God alone has the authority over life and death. authority over life and death. authority over life and death. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Here, Jesus exercises the authority with >> Here, Jesus exercises the authority with >> Here, Jesus exercises the authority with effortless sovereignty. The one who effortless sovereignty. The one who effortless sovereignty. The one who spoke creation into existence now speaks spoke creation into existence now speaks spoke creation into existence now speaks back into a lifeless body.

back into a lifeless body. back into a lifeless body. >> His word is not merely informative. It's >> His word is not merely informative. It's >> His word is not merely informative. It's creative. creative. creative. >> What he commanded immediately becomes >> What he commanded immediately becomes >> What he commanded immediately becomes the new reality. the new reality. the new reality. The miracle also points back to the The miracle also points back to the The miracle also points back to the young man at name. Every resurrection young man at name. Every resurrection young man at name. Every resurrection Jesus performed during his earthly Jesus performed during his earthly Jesus performed during his earthly ministry foreshadow the greater victory ministry foreshadow the greater victory ministry foreshadow the greater victory he would accomplish through his own he would accomplish through his own he would accomplish through his own death and resurrection. death and resurrection. death and resurrection. >> The voice that called the young man life >> The voice that called the young man life >> The voice that called the young man life is the same voice that will summon all is the same voice that will summon all is the same voice that will summon all who belong to him from their graves. who belong to him from their graves. who belong to him from their graves. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> the application is both personable, >> the application is both personable, >> the application is both personable, personal and profound. Jesus speaks into personal and profound. Jesus speaks into personal and profound. Jesus speaks into spaces and places that appear beyond spaces and places that appear beyond spaces and places that appear beyond hope. He speaks into the hearts of the hope. He speaks into the hearts of the hope. He speaks into the hearts of the dead and those who are in sin. He speaks dead and those who are in sin. He speaks dead and those who are in sin. He speaks into the lives of the shattered by into the lives of the shattered by into the lives of the shattered by grief, guilt, fear, despair. What the grief, guilt, fear, despair. What the grief, guilt, fear, despair. What the world declares finished, Jesus is able world declares finished, Jesus is able world declares finished, Jesus is able to restore according to his will and to restore according to his will and to restore according to his will and purpose.

purpose. purpose. >> Amen. Can I suggest something? >> Amen. Can I suggest something? >> Amen. Can I suggest something? >> Too often we put a period where God has >> Too often we put a period where God has >> Too often we put a period where God has put a comma. >> But the Lord >> But the Lord who is specializing in interruption who is specializing in interruption who is specializing in interruption at a funeral possession still showing he at a funeral possession still showing he at a funeral possession still showing he has authority to interrupt the despair has authority to interrupt the despair has authority to interrupt the despair with hope, darkness with life, death with hope, darkness with life, death with hope, darkness with life, death with life. The question is not whether with life. The question is not whether with life. The question is not whether your situation appears hopeless. The your situation appears hopeless. The your situation appears hopeless. The question is whether you believe the one question is whether you believe the one question is whether you believe the one who stands before it is greater than a who stands before it is greater than a who stands before it is greater than a verdict that has been spoken over it. verdict that has been spoken over it. verdict that has been spoken over it. >> When Jesus speaks the final word, >> When Jesus speaks the final word, >> When Jesus speaks the final word, it never belongs to death. It belongs to it never belongs to death. It belongs to it never belongs to death. It belongs to the Arthur of life. the Arthur of life. the Arthur of life. >> This brings us to our last point, >> This brings us to our last point, >> This brings us to our last point, resurrection and restoration. I worked all the way here so that you I worked all the way here so that you can see the foreshadow, can see the foreshadow, can see the foreshadow, but I want you to understand whatever but I want you to understand whatever but I want you to understand whatever you're going through, God is able to you're going through, God is able to you're going through, God is able to resurrect and restore.

resurrect and restore. resurrect and restore. >> The widow's son was restored back to >> The widow's son was restored back to >> The widow's son was restored back to life, but eventually he's going to die life, but eventually he's going to die life, but eventually he's going to die again. For we know that we live and we again. For we know that we live and we again. For we know that we live and we die, die, die, >> and we will be caught up to meet him in >> and we will be caught up to meet him in >> and we will be caught up to meet him in the end. Amen. the end. Amen. the end. Amen. >> The hope is not necessarily in the >> The hope is not necessarily in the >> The hope is not necessarily in the resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. It's not grounded in the fact that the It's not grounded in the fact that the It's not grounded in the fact that the widow's son came back to life. It's widow's son came back to life. It's widow's son came back to life. It's grounded in the fact that the one who grounded in the fact that the one who grounded in the fact that the one who compassionately restored the widow's son compassionately restored the widow's son compassionately restored the widow's son would himself triumph over death. would himself triumph over death. would himself triumph over death. >> Jesus did not merely resuscitate this >> Jesus did not merely resuscitate this >> Jesus did not merely resuscitate this young boy. young boy. young boy. >> He was resurrected. >> He was resurrected. >> He was resurrected. >> He conquered sin. He conquered the >> He conquered sin. He conquered the >> He conquered sin. He conquered the grave. He conquered death. Yeah. grave. He conquered death. Yeah. grave. He conquered death. Yeah. >> And it's because he lives, everyone who >> And it's because he lives, everyone who >> And it's because he lives, everyone who trusts in him has hope beyond every trusts in him has hope beyond every trusts in him has hope beyond every funeral and grave. funeral and grave. funeral and grave. >> Verse 15 says, "The dead man sat up and >> Verse 15 says, "The dead man sat up and >> Verse 15 says, "The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to began to speak, and Jesus gave him to began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother." his mother." his mother." >> The final phrase is one that is most >> The final phrase is one that is most >> The final phrase is one that is most tender out of the entire account.

tender out of the entire account. tender out of the entire account. >> All right. Jesus could have simply >> All right. Jesus could have simply >> All right. Jesus could have simply raised this boy and left the scene. raised this boy and left the scene. raised this boy and left the scene. >> But Jesus intently stopped, >> But Jesus intently stopped, >> But Jesus intently stopped, raised the boy and gave him back to his raised the boy and gave him back to his raised the boy and gave him back to his mother. mother. mother. >> You saying, "What is the significance?" >> You saying, "What is the significance?" >> You saying, "What is the significance?" You paused. You paused. You paused. Jesus intently Jesus intently Jesus intently said that the miracle was not complete said that the miracle was not complete said that the miracle was not complete until he restored the relationship to until he restored the relationship to until he restored the relationship to the mother. All right. the mother. All right. the mother. All right. >> Jesus is not just merely interested in >> Jesus is not just merely interested in >> Jesus is not just merely interested in restoring the heartbeat. He's interested restoring the heartbeat. He's interested restoring the heartbeat. He's interested in restoring the family. in restoring the family. in restoring the family. >> He returned a son to his mother, >> He returned a son to his mother, >> He returned a son to his mother, embrace, her companion, her provider, embrace, her companion, her provider, embrace, her companion, her provider, her hope for the future. Luke's her hope for the future. Luke's her hope for the future. Luke's intentional about echoing the language intentional about echoing the language intentional about echoing the language of Elijah who gave this scenario. of Elijah who gave this scenario. of Elijah who gave this scenario. >> All right? >> All right? >> All right? He gave him to his mother He gave him to his mother He gave him to his mother after raising the widow's son and after raising the widow's son and after raising the widow's son and Zerapath in first kings 17-23.

Zerapath in first kings 17-23. Zerapath in first kings 17-23. But while Elijah prayed for God to But while Elijah prayed for God to But while Elijah prayed for God to intervene, Jesus simply spoke and death intervene, Jesus simply spoke and death intervene, Jesus simply spoke and death obeyed. obeyed. obeyed. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> there's a parallel that reveals that >> there's a parallel that reveals that >> there's a parallel that reveals that Jesus is greater than just a a prophet. Jesus is greater than just a a prophet. Jesus is greater than just a a prophet. He is the Lord whom the prophets He is the Lord whom the prophets He is the Lord whom the prophets appointing to. This reminds us that appointing to. This reminds us that appointing to. This reminds us that Jesus is not only interested in Jesus is not only interested in Jesus is not only interested in restoring what has been lost. He's restoring what has been lost. He's restoring what has been lost. He's delighted in restoring people to one delighted in restoring people to one delighted in restoring people to one another. another. another. Sin separates, Sin separates, Sin separates, death divides, but Christ is the great death divides, but Christ is the great death divides, but Christ is the great restorer. Throughout his ministry, he restorer. Throughout his ministry, he restorer. Throughout his ministry, he constantly reunites what is broken and constantly reunites what is broken and constantly reunites what is broken and have been torn. the sick back with their have been torn. the sick back with their have been torn. the sick back with their community, sinners with God, and here a community, sinners with God, and here a community, sinners with God, and here a mother to her son. mother to her son. mother to her son. That's the heart of this gospel. Jesus That's the heart of this gospel. Jesus That's the heart of this gospel. Jesus is not merely trying to save us from is not merely trying to save us from is not merely trying to save us from something. He's trying to restore something. He's trying to restore something. He's trying to restore someone. someone. someone. >> Through this through his death and >> Through this through his death and >> Through this through his death and resurrection, we are reconciled to the resurrection, we are reconciled to the resurrection, we are reconciled to the father and adopted into his family.

father and adopted into his family. father and adopted into his family. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> The God who gave his son back to his >> The God who gave his son back to his >> The God who gave his son back to his mother is the same God who through mother is the same God who through mother is the same God who through Christ gave the lost son and daughters Christ gave the lost son and daughters Christ gave the lost son and daughters back to himself. back to himself. back to himself. >> But then in verse 16 it records, "Fear >> But then in verse 16 it records, "Fear >> But then in verse 16 it records, "Fear ceased them all ceased them all ceased them all >> and they glorified God. A holy awe swept >> and they glorified God. A holy awe swept >> and they glorified God. A holy awe swept through the crowd and they declared a through the crowd and they declared a through the crowd and they declared a great prophet has risen among us great prophet has risen among us great prophet has risen among us and God has visited his people." and God has visited his people." and God has visited his people." Whenever Jesus displays his power, Whenever Jesus displays his power, Whenever Jesus displays his power, worship is your response. worship is your response. worship is your response. >> Can I close with this? >> Can I close with this? >> Can I close with this? What are you preparing to bury? What are you preparing to bury? What are you preparing to bury? >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Are you prepared to bury a dream, a >> Are you prepared to bury a dream, a >> Are you prepared to bury a dream, a ministry, a relationship, ministry, a relationship, ministry, a relationship, your confidence, your confidence, your confidence, your joy, your peace? your joy, your peace? your joy, your peace? Have you already accepted that things Have you already accepted that things Have you already accepted that things will never change? will never change? will never change? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> The widow walked to the cemetery >> The widow walked to the cemetery >> The widow walked to the cemetery believing that it was over. Yes, sir.

believing that it was over. Yes, sir. believing that it was over. Yes, sir. >> But Jesus met her before he she buried >> But Jesus met her before he she buried >> But Jesus met her before he she buried her son. her son. her son. >> She thought death was the final word. >> She thought death was the final word. >> She thought death was the final word. But Jesus interrupted the procession. But Jesus interrupted the procession. But Jesus interrupted the procession. She expected this was over. I have She expected this was over. I have She expected this was over. I have nothing left to give. This economy is nothing left to give. This economy is nothing left to give. This economy is terrible. I cannot get a job in this terrible. I cannot get a job in this terrible. I cannot get a job in this economy. But Jesus says, "Hold on. I got economy. But Jesus says, "Hold on. I got economy. But Jesus says, "Hold on. I got something for you." something for you." something for you." The image captures the heart of the The image captures the heart of the The image captures the heart of the savior. savior. savior. >> Jesus does not simply reverse the death. >> Jesus does not simply reverse the death. >> Jesus does not simply reverse the death. He restores what was broken, what was He restores what was broken, what was He restores what was broken, what was stolen. stolen. stolen. >> He is in the business of giving back >> He is in the business of giving back >> He is in the business of giving back what seems forever lost. what seems forever lost. what seems forever lost. >> What have you lost? Have you lost >> What have you lost? Have you lost >> What have you lost? Have you lost yourself through the process of waiting? yourself through the process of waiting? yourself through the process of waiting? Jesus is saying, "I am here to restore Jesus is saying, "I am here to restore Jesus is saying, "I am here to restore everything that you have lost and give everything that you have lost and give everything that you have lost and give you more than what you can ever expect." you more than what you can ever expect." you more than what you can ever expect." Every restoration in the gospel points Every restoration in the gospel points Every restoration in the gospel points us to this day when Christ was able to us to this day when Christ was able to us to this day when Christ was able to make all things new and every separation make all things new and every separation make all things new and every separation caused by death will be swallowed up in caused by death will be swallowed up in caused by death will be swallowed up in everlasting life.

everlasting life. everlasting life. >> The same savior who walked in name still >> The same savior who walked in name still >> The same savior who walked in name still walks in impossible situations today. He walks in impossible situations today. He walks in impossible situations today. He sees you. sees you. sees you. >> He knows your sorrow. >> He knows your sorrow. >> He knows your sorrow. >> He is moved with compassion. >> He is moved with compassion. >> He is moved with compassion. >> And when Jesus speaks, even death have >> And when Jesus speaks, even death have >> And when Jesus speaks, even death have to listen. to listen. to listen. >> There's a song on our recording. >> There's a song on our recording. >> There's a song on our recording. I trust in God. >> That's That's not our recording. Who >> That's That's not our recording. Who said that? >> I trust in God. >> I trust in God. Wherever I may be, on mountain bleaks Wherever I may be, on mountain bleaks Wherever I may be, on mountain bleaks or on the stormy sea, though billows or on the stormy sea, though billows or on the stormy sea, though billows roll, he keeps my soul. My heavenly roll, he keeps my soul. My heavenly roll, he keeps my soul. My heavenly father watches over me. father watches over me. father watches over me. >> So instead of putting a benediction on >> So instead of putting a benediction on >> So instead of putting a benediction on your situation, your situation, your situation, >> I need you to repeat this. Now unto him >> I need you to repeat this. Now unto him >> I need you to repeat this. Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly who is able to do exceedingly abundantly who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think according above all we can ask or think according above all we can ask or think according to the power that is at work in us. To to the power that is at work in us. To to the power that is at work in us. To him be all glory in the church by Christ him be all glory in the church by Christ him be all glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and Jesus to all generations forever and Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

ever. Amen. ever. Amen. >> Amen. >> Father, we thank you. >> Father, we thank you. >> Thank you for your word. >> Thank you for your word. >> Thank you for your word. Thank you for Reverend Jaquil Jackson. Thank you for Reverend Jaquil Jackson. Thank you for Reverend Jaquil Jackson. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Now we ask knowing that you not only resurrect knowing that you not only resurrect [music] but you restore [music] that your resurrection and [music] that your resurrection and restoration restoration restoration would abide in our midst. would abide in our midst. would abide in our midst. [music] We pray If there's someone here who has not If there's someone here who has not accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord of their life, of their life, of their life, move move move on them tonight. [music] We pray We pray that if there's someone here who is not that if there's someone here who is not that if there's someone here who is not growing where they're going and they're growing where they're going and they're growing where they're going and they're seeking a church home seeking a church home seeking a church home that you would draw them in

that you would draw them in that you would draw them in and move [snorts] on them tonight. and move [snorts] on them tonight. and move [snorts] on them tonight. [music] [music] [music] Somebody Somebody Somebody may be needing watch care. somebody may be needing watch care. somebody may be needing watch care. somebody [music] to watch over their souls [music] to watch over their souls [music] to watch over their souls while they're here on temporary while they're here on temporary while they're here on temporary assignment [music] assignment [music] assignment [music] because of school or because of work, because of school or because of work, because of school or because of work, because of health concern. because of health concern. because of health concern. [music] [music] [music] Bless Bless Bless and draw them down the aisle [music] and draw them down the aisle [music] and draw them down the aisle [music] tonight. tonight. tonight. This is our prayer. This is our prayer. This is our prayer. In the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, In the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, In the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. we pray. we pray. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. The invitation is extended The invitation is extended The invitation is extended [music] [music] [music] for you [singing] are great. for you [singing] are great. for you [singing] are great. You do miracles [music] so great. You do miracles [music] so great. You do miracles [music] so great. There is no one else like [singing] you. There is no one else like [singing] you. There is no one else like [singing] you. [music] [music] [music] There is no one else like you. You are There is no one else like you. You are There is no one else like you. You are [music and singing] great.

[music and singing] great. [music and singing] great. You do miracles so great. [singing] You do miracles so great. [singing] You do miracles so great. [singing] >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> There is no one [music] else like you. There is [singing] no [music] one else There is [singing] no [music] one else like you. You are great. like you. You are great. like you. You are great. You deliver [singing] You deliver [singing] You deliver [singing] [music] so great. [music] so great. [music] so great. There is no one else like you. [singing] There is no one else like you. [singing] There is no one else like you. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There is no one else like you. You are >> There is no one else like you. You are >> There is no one else like you. You are great. [singing] great. [singing] great. [singing] [music] You do miracles [music] You do miracles [music] You do miracles so great. so great. so great. There is [singing] no one else like you. There [music and singing] is no one else There [music and singing] is no one else like you. like you. like you. Give the Lord a hand of praise tonight. Give the Lord a hand of praise tonight. Give the Lord a hand of praise tonight. [music] [music] [music] And I give appreciative applause [music] And I give appreciative applause [music] And I give appreciative applause [music] to Reverend Jaquil Jackson to Reverend Jaquil Jackson to Reverend Jaquil Jackson for delivering us the word of God for delivering us the word of God for delivering us the word of God tonight.

tonight. tonight. [music and applause] [music and applause] [music and applause] Hallelujah. I pray that you're encouraged I pray that you're encouraged that whatever may be dead in your life that whatever may be dead in your life that whatever may be dead in your life can not only be resurrected can not only be resurrected can not only be resurrected but restored. but restored. but restored. Every situation, every circumstance, Every situation, every circumstance, Every situation, every circumstance, [music] he can resurrect it, he can [music] he can resurrect it, he can [music] he can resurrect it, he can restore it. Every relationship, restore it. Every relationship, restore it. Every relationship, he can restore it. He can resurrect it. he can restore it. He can resurrect it. he can restore it. He can resurrect it. He is able to do exceeding abundantly He is able to do exceeding abundantly He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think. Thank above all we can ask or think. Thank above all we can ask or think. Thank you, Reverend Jquil, you, Reverend Jquil, you, Reverend Jquil, [music] for letting the Lord use you [music] for letting the Lord use you [music] for letting the Lord use you tonight. tonight. tonight. Amen. Well, we have no scheduled Well, we have no scheduled funeral services for the remainder of funeral services for the remainder of funeral services for the remainder of the week. [applause and music] Amen. But we do want to continue to pray Amen. But we do want to continue to pray for our bereaveved families. [music] for our bereaveved families. [music] for our bereaveved families. [music] They need our prayers. Amen.

They need our prayers. Amen. They need our prayers. Amen. Pray that you [music] would cover them Pray that you [music] would cover them Pray that you [music] would cover them with believers prayer. And we want to with believers prayer. And we want to with believers prayer. And we want to pray for our members with health pray for our members with health pray for our members with health concerns. concerns. concerns. For what [music] we know is is that God For what [music] we know is is that God For what [music] we know is is that God is the healer is the healer is the healer and he's able. If only he will. Amen. and he's able. If only he will. Amen. and he's able. If only he will. Amen. >> Let us stand. >> [music] >> [music] >> Father, thank you for all your blessings, your benefits, for all your blessings, your benefits, your bounty, your benevolence. [music] Thank you Thank you for your word tonight, for your word tonight, for your word tonight, the message as well as the messenger. the message as well as the messenger. the message as well as the messenger. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Now we pray for our bereaveved families. Bless Bless as only you can bless. as only you can bless. as only you can bless. Supplying their every needs according to Supplying their every needs according to Supplying their every needs according to your riches and glory [music] that are your riches and glory [music] that are your riches and glory [music] that are in Christ Jesus.

in Christ Jesus. in Christ Jesus. We pray your healing power We pray your healing power We pray your healing power be manifested among those with health be manifested among those with health be manifested among those with health concerns. concerns. concerns. [music] [music] [music] You've done it before, Lord. You've done it before, Lord. You've done it before, Lord. Now do it again. Now do it again. Now do it again. That's our prayer. That's our prayer. That's our prayer. Now [music] it's unto you Now [music] it's unto you Now [music] it's unto you cuz you're able to keep us from falling, cuz you're able to keep us from falling, cuz you're able to keep us from falling, presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God. To you be power and only wise God. To you be power and only wise God. To you be power and majesty, glory and dominion [music] now, majesty, glory and dominion [music] now, majesty, glory and dominion [music] now, henceforth and forever more. It's in the henceforth and forever more. It's in the henceforth and forever more. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God we name of Jesus, the Christ of God we name of Jesus, the Christ of God we pray. Amen. pray. Amen. pray. Amen. And [music] thank God. God bless you. [music] [music] Heat.