Father of orphans and defender of widows

Good morning brothers and sisters,
Having just healed the slave of a centurion, Jesus and his disciples continue their journey and arrive at a town called Nain. There Jesus raises a a young man from the dead. It's interesting that both in our readings about Elijah and this reading today we hear about God taking special notice of widows. In ancient Israel (and many other places) women's places in society were mostly defined by their husband (or fathers before they were married). Women had no legal standing meaning that without a husband or father or son, they were very vulnerable. Scripture often calls God the father of orphans and defender of widows because God takes special care of those in need. Jesus follows God's priorities, so it shouldn't surprise us that he performs this mighty act for a widow. The church is also called to follow God's priorities, so in our ministry we should keep our eyes out for the most vulnerable in our society too.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 7:11-17
11Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12As 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.

13When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep."14Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!"15The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!"17This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.