Alfred Krupp (1812 – 1887) was a German steel manufacturer who sold armaments, artillery and ammunition that killed millions of people throughout the world. He himself lived in the constant fear of death.
Everyone throughout his entire company was strictly forbidden to refer to the subject of death in conversation. He ran from his own house because a relative of his wife suddenly died there. And when Mrs. Krupp objected, Alfred became so enraged with her that he separated from her for the rest of their lives. During his last sickness, he offered his doctor a million dollars to prolong his life. But, of course, that was impossible.
Death has very real power over all of us. Money and prestige and position aren’t going to change that. Visits and phone calls and sympathy cards aren’t going to change that. Ministers and churches and expensive funerals aren’t going to change that.
One day Jesus arrives at the village of Nain during the burial ceremony of the only son of a widow (Luke 7:11-17). Jesus seemingly uses strange words and actions. He says to the widow, “Don’t cry.” Then he touches the funeral board, so that all attention will be focused on him as he addresses the carefully wrapped corpse.
“Young man, I say to you, get up!” Jesus doesn’t wrestle with prayers to his Father. He doesn’t struggle in deep spiritual warfare. He simply commands the corpse to get up. And catch this. His command reverses the powers of darkness and death! JESUS’ COMMAND TRANFORMS A FUNERAL PROCESSION INTO A FAMILY REUNION.
Thanks to Ron Luchies
Does YOUR Faith in Jesus have the same strength – THAT JESUS’ COMMAND WILL TRANSFORM A FUNERAL PROCESSION INTO A FAMILY REUNION FOR YOU?
I ALWAYS THOUGHT LOVE WAS SHAPED LIKE A HEART. BUT IT’S ACTUALLY SHAPED LIKE A CROSS!
