Luke 7:12–14
12 Just as he neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was also with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said, “Don’t weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And he said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!”
COVID-19 has all of us more conscious about our hygiene. My son commented on how dry my hands were. I told him it was because of my constant hand washing. When we get done washing our hands, we grab a bottle of hand sanitizer. There’s such a shortage of hand sanitizer that Vodka makers are converting their factories to the production of hand sanitizer. “Cleanliness is next to godliness” has taken on new meaning, and we will probably see some better precautionary care as a result.
The Jewish faith was one that stressed cleanliness. As one reads through the laws in the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), one notices there is a lot in there about washing of hands and even full body washing. The phrase, “cleanliness…godliness” goes back to ancient Hebrew and Babylonian tracts, though not literally found in the Bible.
Jesus was very familiar with the law and the expectations of what God’s Word said. Anyone who touched a corpse was considered unclean. So why did Jesus touch the coffin of a dead man? One lesson we can learn is that sometimes you have to risk getting your hands dirty to meet someone’s need. When Jesus touched that coffin, He communicated something powerful to that widow. Your needs are worth risking contamination.
A widow without her only son was facing a world with no support and no hope. Jesus sent a message loud and strong when He touched that coffin. Jesus showed His perfection could not be contaminated by death. Jesus proved His passion could not be contained by death. And Jesus proclaimed His power could not be conquered by death.
As we seek to reach into a world contaminated by sin and death, we must realize that God has called us to go out in the power of God. Paul said, 2 Corinthians 12:9 “I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”
As we are called to minister to others in the midst of this crisis, remember the power that lives in you is perfect; it is uncontainable and unconquerable and is waiting to be unleashed.
Announcements:
Remember that ministry needs continue even when we are unable to meet in person. As this crisis continues, the needs will continue. If you would like to give online, visit our website www.pinerbaptist.org, and click on the giving tab at the top of the page. Your donation is secure and will be deposited in the church’s account.
We are continuing the collection of food to help feed Piner Elementary families during this time. Bring your items to the church by Wednesday, so that they can be delivered by Friday. Jody has requested the following items: Canned Soup and Fruit, Spaghetti and Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Boxed Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Crackers.
The Food for Thought ministry for Piner Elementary continues. We are collecting nonperishable food items for children whose needs have only increased during this recent crisis: Apple sauce, juice boxes pudding, pop tarts, cereal bars, etc. Make sure there are no peanuts in any donations. Thanks for your support of the children in our community.
Wednesday night we will be having a zoom prayer meeting for those wanting to join us. Please e-mail Bro. Mark if you would like an invitation to join us: mark@pinerbaptist.org.