05.1 Who is God, really?

I’ll tell you who he’s not. He’s not a stodgy old man who lives “upstairs,” or a bean counter, or an abstract system. He’s a real, flesh-and-blood person. And he has compassion on everyone.

Take a moment to imagine this story, adapted from Luke, with as much detail as possible. Perhaps read it through a few times. Try to paint the scene in your mind. Smell the air, feel the ground beneath your feet. Immerse yourself in the story and pay special attention to the expressions on Jesus’ face:

Not long after calling his disciples, Jesus went to the village of Nain. His disciples were with him, along with a large crowd of curious followers. As they approached the village gate, they met a large funeral procession—a poor man’s body was being carried on a wooden bier. He was to be buried that afternoon. His mother followed close behind, weeping. This was her only son, and she was already a widow.  

When The Lord saw her, his heart broke. Compelled by great compassion he approached her and said, “Please, don’t cry.” Then he grabbed hold of the bier. The pallbearers stopped. A hush spread through the crowd. Jesus had defiled himself by touching the dead.

Young man," Jesus said, "I tell you: wake up!” 

Immediately, the dead man sat up and began talking! Jesus helped him stand and joyfully gave him to his mother.

Awe came over everyone, and they broke out in song and praises saying “Truly, God has come to help us!” And “This is a great prophet!”

I’d like to bring to your attention that this is the first time Luke explicitly calls Jesus “The Lord.” That is to say, Yahweh—the God of the Old Testament, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.