THE PRINCE OF LIFE
‘He went into a city called Rain.’
The Gospels tell us of Jesus raising three people to life—an only daughter, an only brother, and an only son; these three are clearly to show His power over death in every stage. Jairus’s daughter was laid upon the bed when Jesus restored her (Luke 8:53-55). Lazarus was shut up in the grave when Jesus restored him (John 11:43-44). The son of the widow of Nain was being carried between his bed and the grave (Luke 7:12).
It is the last of these cases which we are considering. It beautifully illustrates our Lord as the Prince of Life. Let us fix our thoughts upon Him:—
I. In His gracious consolation.—What a comfort was His presence to the sorrowing widow (Psalms 46:1; Job 23:2-3). It was just at the time when she needed support (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:2; Psalms 23:4). How gracious was the word He spake to her: ‘Weep not’ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). All His words are intended to give peace (John 16:33; Matthew 11:28-29). How tender was the help He proffered!—‘He came and touched the bier’ (Psalms 17:7; Psalms 18:35; Psalms 20:6). This was indeed lovingkindness on the part of Jesus (Psalms 103:4). It only shows us that ‘we have not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.’
II. In His life-giving power.—One word from Him is enough—‘He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life’ (John 5:24). ‘The word is quick (living) and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Thus it was here (Luke 7:14; Romans 10:17). He that was dead sat up.’ Christ can do the same now. People are just as dead in sin as this widow’s son was naturally so. Think of the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:1-5). What was the word to them? (Ephesians 5:14). Jesus is even now calling. It is our fault if we do not listen (Isaiah 65:12; Jeremiah 7:13). ‘Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life’ (John 5:40; cf. John 3:19).
Let us take two words of the Psalmist in connection with this. First, a prayer—‘Wilt Thou not revive us again?’ Secondly, a resolution—‘I will hear what God the Lord shall speak’ (Psalms 85:6; Psalms 85:8).
—Bishop Rowley Hill.
Illustration
‘The village of Nain is considered to be one of the few unquestioned sites in the Holy Land. The modern village (still called Nain) lies northwest of the edge of Little Hermon. It is described as having at the present time a singularly desolate and dreary appearance. Dr. Tristram asserts that it must have been a walled town, as ruined heaps and traces of walls still remain. Only a few insignificant Moslem dwellings scattered about amidst the remains of better days now exist. The burying-ground is about ten minutes’ walk from the village eastwards, and it was shortly after the procession had issued forth from the “gate of the city” that it was encountered by our Lord. An old Mussulman pointed out to Dr. Tristram, unasked, a heap of stones, which he said were the ruins of the widow’s house. A little mosque, called still “The Place of our Lord Jesus,” marks doubtless the site of an early Christian chapel.’