Current Talk

Yesterday, the current talk was of a “rainbow around the sun”, while others spoke of a “halo around the sun”. The news spread very quickly around and almost simultaneously, I had messages about what was happening in the sky. I was unable to go out and see it in person, but this is what got me. Some of the messages came with pictures, evidence of what they were saying, with this caption – happening now. The talk yesterday was not just current, but the proof for people like me, who simply could not get outside to see this beautifully amazing sight, was convincing.

This brought to mind a time when some current news about Jesus, spectacularly wonderful news, was quickly spread all over the place, near and far. Listen to what Luke 7:17 states. This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. What was, This News? What were the people talking about? The talk of the entire community and beyond was that, A great prophet has appeared among us they said. God has come to help his people. Luke 7: 16b. But what exactly did this great prophet do among the people? He raised the dead. Let us meditate on four facts which show Jesus in action, as The Resurrection and The Life.

The dead is being carried out: - This is not just a dead body. It is one that has already gone through the mourning time of the family, the last preparation processes and now this dead is being carried out with the talk - songs and chants - for the dead. Often, we have family, friends, neighbours and even strangers, who have died spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even socially. They have died, but you still keep them around, doing what you would do for such ‘dead’. Alas! The time comes when they must be taken away, carried out because they can no longer stay in. They are dead, and there is nothing you can do. You grieve and cry, for all that you can give to that one, is the talk and sentiments of deep sorrow and mourning. This is the state, the condition of the ‘dead‘, that Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life sees. It is never too late for Jesus to see and be the Life of the dead in this ‘taking out’ state.

The dead is in a coffin: - The coffin is the vehicle only used for the dead who is now set for burial. When one is put in a coffin, one is buried in it. See this understanding of coffin as meaning held by it, kept by it, bound by it – no escaping. There is no turning back, no reversing from this vehicle of burial. In the midst of all the death talk and mourning, Jesus comes and touches the coffin, and immediately stops this grieving procession. When those who were carrying the coffin, saw Jesus touch it, they all stood still. Not one more step was made for burial, for the touch of this Great Prophet altered the way of this vehicle for the dead. There are people whom we know, people whom we are supporting with our tears, and prayers even, who are already in their ‘coffins’. You must see ‘coffin’ here, as words, actions, thoughts and ideas that relegate the ‘dead’ to a specific place. Jesus is still able to touch our lips and minds, so that we cease from our ways of being helpful and considerate, that some ‘dead’ will no longer be held in any stereotyping. This is the condition of the ‘dead’ that, the Resurrection and the Life touches. It is not too late for Jesus to touch some ‘coffin’ and be the Risen Lord of that one held in it.

The dead is left alone: - When the pall-bearers, stood still, they left the coffin to be in a stand-still position. They were no longer taking the dead anywhere. The dead man’s coffin was now stationary. You must see this clearly. The dead is left alone, in its dead state. The road to the burial place still waits, but Jesus aborts the journey. The transporting of the dead with dignity, reverence and the utmost of sensitivity, have all been interrupted by the unlawful and irreverent touch by Jesus. You see, it was forbidden for the coffin to be touched, since that action made one unclean. Jesus touched the coffin, not just to show that He is Lord and Master over the law in His understanding and interpretation of it, but Jesus showed that Life can alter the way of the dead. When we know someone who has been neglected, left alone, untouchable even, because of what you see Jesus has done, rejoice. When those who are doing their jobs, or just being kind and neighbourly, have been made to, drop the dead, put down the ‘coffin’, not carry the weight, the deadweight any longer, and you witness this, do not be alarmed. This is the state of the dead that Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life stays. This is the moment He has ordained, when He is face to face with the ‘stationary’ dead. It is never too late for Jesus to stay a coffin and be the Resurrection and Life of that one just lying there.

The dead is spoken to by Jesus: - It is only when the coffin stands still, only when Jesus stays it, that He speaks resurrection to the dead man’s ears. Remember, it is now Jesus and the dead alone. It is Life and death alone there, while others look on. Jesus talks to the dead man and tells him to get up and he sits up and talks to Jesus. Do you know someone who is dead, emotionally, socially or even spiritually, be that person you even? In the Presence of Jesus the Life, you are facing Life. This is the condition of the dead, which Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, raises. It is never too late for Jesus to raise the dead and be the Resurrection and Life of one who is ‘dead’.

What is the current news about Jesus? Is the News just that Jesus died and rose again? Are we this day, filled with awe and praising God because we have seen and witnessed His Son and Risen Saviour in our everyday lives? Have we witnessed in truth and in fact, that He is the Resurrection and the Life? Are we spreading the news, left, right and centre that the state of any ‘dead’, does not matter to Jesus? Are we shouting boldly the fact that regardless of its condition, or how far this ‘death’ has taken place, Jesus is able to bring Resurrection and Life?