He Gave Him Back

Luke 7 recounts Jesus's visit to the city of Nain where he ran straight into a funeral procession.

Now it happened... that Jesus went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 

In all this pageantry and custom, there was no true comfort for this widow who had lost her only child.  The one she deeply loved, nurtured and passionately longed to keep was now gone.  His light faded out, and with it hers.  Then the terrible farewell.  Then the crushing burst of sorrow.

And I say again, that in all end of life traditions, there is nothing that will comfort the mother who lost her son.  Everyone else will go home, go back to their lives, go back to normal, but not this mom.  Her life is forever changed.

The widow didn't see Jesus.   The bitter silent tears blinded her.  But He knew her.  He recognized her tears as the strongest despair and utmost brokenness. 

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.

And Jesus presented him to his mother.


There were many times in Samuel's lifetime where Jesus gave him back to me.  Three years ago today was one of them.  The day all thought he'd just go to sleep and never wake again but instead, he spent the entire day awake and alive, "For me."   One last time, Jesus gave him back to me on Earth.  I thank Him for this day.

As these "Days of Victory" pass, I have chosen not to rekindle and lament the memories of Samuel's sufferings through them.  I've already gone through it, processed it all, several times.  Enough.  Instead, I've decided to count my blessings as I look forward to the day when He gives him back to me for eternity and the only tears I cry will be tears of joy.