Today’s scripture is about leadership and those willing to walk the extra mile. It is about the character on the journey where we learn that Jesus can change even the most hopeless of situations because he brings hope to those who are struggling to hold on. Think of the victim by the side of the road in the story of the Good Samaritan. Think of the status of the church in some sectors. And think of the story of the healing at Nain when two bodies of people converge…one filled with despair and the other with hope. Friends, most of the time we do not think about the health of our individual bodies and when we do it is easy to not think in complementary ways. We can be too fat or too skinny, too short, or too tall, or just plain ugly and sickly. And when we think of our collective body…the called our assembly… the church, it can be too bureaucratic or too disorganized…too weak or self-serving…it can be either a joyous parade or a funeral march. So, friends, it makes a difference whether we are part of a journey of despair and death or of life and hope. Do You Have The Walk Of A Spiritual Leader Going To A Celebration Or One Going To A Funeral?
Scripture: Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
Luke 7:11-17 (NRSV)
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:1-13 (NRSV)
Message: We all have different gifts so that we might need each other and sometimes we are drawn out of compassion because of a compelling need of others to demonstrate the power of an individual act in love that inspires a collective action. Jesus raised three people from the dead, of which the first was the widow’s son, followed by Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus and they all take a sad situation and breathe life into it. The example in today’s Gospel text is indeed of a desperate situation. The location is in Nain, about 25 miles from Capernaum. The situation is of a widow with an only son who had died. So, remember the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. That may give you an idea of the status of widows and their plight. Indeed, the situation of a widow could indeed be one of despair and add to that the death of her husband and of her only son and the situation is indeed grim. This widow’s life appeared to be filled with fear. Her future appeared to be filled with pain and loneliness and uncertainty. But a remnant of hope always exists. Jesus arrived at the city gate on the same day the boy died. Perfect timing. The Jews buried their dead the same day. So, two crowds met. One was following Jesus, and the other a large funeral procession leaving the city and headed for the cemetery. Death touched a whole village. No one was unaffected, unmoved, or unconcerned. And here is the message in the convergence of despair and hope for the church today for we are still called to care for each other in the Body of Christ. Friends, when one part of the Body is hurting, God wants the rest of us to do everything we can to help. He wants us to show that we care. And we need leaders to raise the bar.
And So, mature leadership requires some character and proper attitude to spread the word about Jesus effectively. When Jesus walked the earth, the people who met him told stories about him that we are still retelling today. But how much more appropriate it is for us to be telling the stories of how Jesus is healing us today. That Jesus walked 25 miles to meet with a widow and to raise her son from the dead demonstrates the commitment and compassion we are to have. That positive attitude is what mature, level-headed healthy leadership is all about.
Pray Jesus stop our procession of death and despair in the church at large. Pray we believe that Jesus can change even the most hopeless situations. Pray we as members of Christ’s body bring hope to those who are struggling to hold on. Pray we realize that it is never too late for Jesus to bring life to that which many consider dead. Pray we realize that the body is healthiest when all its parts are healthy and whole. Pray they have compassion to lead the parade of hope and resurrection that glorifies God.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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