World Unyielding

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

Luke 7:13

It may seem a strange command from the mouth of the Lord Jesus. He who himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus, His friend, commanding the widow now bereaved of her only son to weep no more. Was there an oversight here? Did the Lord Jesus not know the depths of her trouble? Having been stripped of her husband and son, she now faced a hopeless future. Amidst a large crowd of mourners, her grief surpassed them all. Her son in the coffin and heading to the grave. But the Lord crossed her path. He saw through the crowds and looked upon her with compassion, saying, “Do not weep.”

No idle words came out of the mouth of our Lord. Yet His command may have seemed empty to the grieving mother, thinking, “Do not weep. What do you mean? Look at my situation. I am without a husband and son. I have every right to cry. What else is left for me to do?” No truer pity was found among the crowd than that of Jesus. If she only knew the compassion Jesus had for her. If she only knew that Jesus’ heart was moved by her miserable situation. If she only knew Jesus’ care would move him to action. If she only knew what He was about to do for her. If she only knew the power of God.

The Author of Life, confronted by all the solemn pageantry of death, was not caught unaware as a tide of sorrow headed toward Him. It took only a glance for Jesus to have compassion and be moved to loving action. Yes, the Prince of Life touched the coffin and spoke life, commanding the dead son to arise. The young man came to life, and the mother was comforted. If sinners only knew the compassion of God. If sinners only knew the pity God has for those plunged in despair. If sinners only knew He who commands them to arise from their sinful slumber and total numbness to the things of God. If sinners only knew He who triumphed over death and the grave, putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Dead in trespasses and sin, only in Christ can a soul be made alive. The merciful God has shown great love through His Son.

My soul, have you received life in the Son of God? Then bless Him, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He did not remain afar off, but He mercifully halted the funeral procession of your soul as you headed toward the fiery pit. He compassionately loosened the shackles of sin and death that weighed down your soul. He freely gave new life. The Spirit of Christ touched you, and He is now your possession. Yes, something beautiful happened, and you are no longer the same. Sorrow was turned to joy at the command of your Saviour. All praise to Him!