The Heart of Our Lord

In Luke chapter 7, you'll find the story of a funeral procession for a widow's only son. In that time, women didn't own property or really have the ability to care for themselves. The fact that she was a widow meant that she was relying on her male children to take her in and care for her. This was a funeral for her only son - so she was pretty much out of luck. Being that she was son-less and a widow, she'd probably be forced into begging or prostitution to provide for herself. Being that there was a good chance she didn't own any property, including her home, she would probably find herself homeless. It is a scene of deep sorrow and desperation. Luke 7:13 says, "When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
What a picture of the heart of our Lord. Here we have a real life tangible example of how much our Lord is there for us. Jesus' heart went out to the widow, and his heart goes out to each and every one of us.
I have to say, we've had a rough month. Three people in our world have passed away. While we were not super close to two of them, our hearts still hurt for those left behind. Yes we're still grieving for Z ... and yes, most days are good days and most memories make me happy ... but still ... it's a lot ... Teresa passed and left a husband and three young children. Roger passed and left a wife and three children (23, 18, and 13). Whether the passing was expected or not it's still hard to face ... and it still hurts my heart.
Here, however, I find comfort. For in the lowest moment of this widow's life, Jesus' heart hurt for her and went out to her. So for us, in those moments of desperation and loss - in those times where we can't understand why - how incredibly comforting it is to know that God's heart goes out to meet us there.
Now, being humans and by our nature, we get in the way of God and God's workings. So here I pose a question to you ... How much more comfort and solace could/would we feel if we didn't get in God's way?