Weeping and Rejoicing

Luke 19: ⁴¹ As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it ⁴² and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. ⁴⁴ They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognise the time of God’s coming to you.’

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Complaining about the boss was finally a good idea. I mean the popular few were doing it and I wanted to be popular. While the rest of the group did not feel the same, I joined in on the complaints. When the person left, I joined in with the popular few who rejoiced. The new boss was far worse for everyone. I recognized what the old boss provided, but it was too late.

• Sometimes I am blinded by my complaints.
• Sometimes I am distracted by what “I” think is better.
• Sometimes I am think my sin is “small” and GOD won’t mind.

“JESUS wept” sums up this passage. HE knew free will would be costly for Jerusalem. Political and church leaders would choose following human power, rather than following the ways and words of JESUS. This would be their fall and JESUS knew the fall would be eternal unless they changed their ways.

• GOD says to me, “Recognize the good times that you may label as bad.”
• GOD says to me, “Stop your murmuring and complaining and follow ME.”
• GOD says to me, “Listen to MY words today while you have a chance.”

Looking back on the number of complaints I say per day, I realize I can probably fill up a volcano with these negative words. BUT GOD wants me to seek HIM and rid myself of this negativity. HE wants me to see through the gunk of life and praise HIM for each day.

Only HE can give me the ability to praise HIM. I mean there are some days when a lot rushes towards me and I am overwhelmed. GOD takes me by the hand and leads me besides still waters where only HE can restore my soul. HE is my peace.

• Are you blinded by your complaints?
• Do you blame GOD or praise HIM regularly?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD today for dying for your sins and the sins of the world?

Too Busy

Luke 13: ³⁴ “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! ³⁵ See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

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Bored was a mild word for how I felt. With nothing to do, in a town I did not want to live in, I felt stranded more than bored. I got another job and moved. I did this again and again until I was extremely busy. “Would you like to serve the poor and the lost?” someone asked, in so many words. “I’m too busy” I thought to myself.

• There are times when I am too busy for GOD.
• There are times when I am too overwhelmed to listen to GOD.
• There are times when I am too frustrated at others to hear what GOD wants me to say to them.

JESUS feels sad for the society and lifestyle people sought. Instead of being able to hear GOD, they wanted to follow the rich and powerful people of Jerusalem. These ungrateful politicians would kill anyone who stood in the way of their “power.”

• JESUS cries over me when I forget “I” am made for HIM.
• JESUS weeps over me when I think “my” life in “mine.”
• JESUS laments over me when I blame HIM for “my” situation rather than listening to HIM.

“How often I wanted” were the hurt words JESUS uses to express just how deeply concerned HE felt for those who would eventually kill HIM. HE feels the same for me when I seek HIM in my own way, get disappointed and leave HIM, only to fill my life with timewasters.

GOD wants me to seek HIM in spite of my situations. If I am “bored” HE wants me to fill my life with HIM so I can reach others. The same goes for when I am scared, hurt, angry or any other distracted state. GOD loves when I seek HIS people. HE is my healer.

• Where are you right now?
• Are you too busy blaming GOD or are you seeking HIM?
• Will you turn your face to HIM and open your heart to the thankfulness HE has in store for you today?