What does "God has visited His people" reveal about God's nature? Opening Snapshot of the Verse Luke 7:16: “A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us!’ they said. ‘God has visited His people!’” Immediate Context: Compassion Meets a Funeral Procession Jesus enters Nain, meets a widow’s funeral procession, and raises her only son (Luke 7:11-15). The onlookers instantly grasp that more than a prophet is present—God Himself has stepped onto their street. God’s Nearness: He Personally Draws Close • Divine “visitation” means God comes in person, not merely sends aid. • Exodus 4:31: “When they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.” • Ruth 1:6: “The LORD had visited His people by providing them with food.” • Luke 1:68: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.” God’s nature is relational; He delights to be present with His people. Compassion on Display: He Feels Our Pain • Jesus’ first words: “Do not weep” (Luke 7:13). • His compassion is visceral (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη). • Psalm 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” The phrase shows a God whose heart moves toward human sorrow. Sovereign Power: He Turns Death to Life • Jesus commands, “Young man, I tell you, get up!”—and death obeys. • John 5:21: “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.” God’s visitation brings omnipotence that reverses the irreversible. Covenant Faithfulness: He Keeps Every Promise • Joseph’s dying words: “God will surely visit you” (Genesis 50:24). • Psalm 105:8: “He remembers His covenant forever.” The crowd’s cry recognizes centuries-old promises being honored in real time. Incarnation Fulfilled: Jesus Is the Visiting God • John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” • Matthew 1:23: “‘Immanuel’—God with us.” Old-Testament “visits” culminate in God taking on flesh, walking the same roads we walk. Redemptive Purpose: He Comes to Save, Not Only Comfort • Luke 19:10: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” • 1 Peter 2:24: He “bore our sins in His body on the tree.” Every miracle, including Nain, previews the cross and empty tomb—God visits to redeem. Practical Takeaways: Living in the Light of His Visit • Confidence—He is with you in every circumstance (Hebrews 13:5). • Hope—Resurrection power still operates in impossible situations (Romans 8:11). • Trust—Past faithfulness guarantees future fulfillment (Philippians 1:6). • Worship—Awe naturally overflows in praise. • Mission—Having been visited, we carry His compassionate presence to others (2 Corinthians 5:20). |
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