Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. - Luke 7:11-17.

On Highway 108 close to Jamestown, California, Diana Nichols had a sudden unexpected and shocking collision. She was driving along on her motorcycle enjoying the day traveling at about 50 mph or so when it suddenly happened. A 250-pound bear ran across her path resulting in the collision, and the broken collarbone Diana suffered when her cycle flipped. She was airlifted for treatment to a Modesto hospital where she was treated and released. Apparently, the bear also survived and thankfully, he took off after the collision.

In the area where I live, I am used to hearing about collisions between vehicles and deer, which happen frequently (Since this devotional was written my wife and I both have had collisions with deer.). I have had a few close calls with them. Thankfully, we do not have to be concerned about bears suddenly running into our path! What a shock that must have been!

It must have been an even greater shock to a grieving family when Jesus encountered them in the city of Nain. The only son of a widow had died, and there was a great grief in her heart. But suddenly death collided with life! Jesus touched the open coffin and said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” The man who had been dead sat up and began to speak. What a wonderful shock! Death had been overcome by life - the Prince of Life, Jesus Christ.

Even more surprising is that Jesus is still in the life giving business today. The world, the flesh, and the devil are busy killing, stealing and destroying (John 10:10a) but Jesus has come to give life (John 10:10b). Whenever your life encounters impossible obstacles and problems allow those obstacles and problems to have a collision with life - Jesus Christ. It may be a bear of a day, but allow Jesus to be the Lord of it by bringing life into your world.