Sunday, August 2, 2015

God Cries Tears of Sorrow

Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem just a week before His crucifixion. You probably know the story. It’s a story of celebration and worship. It’s a story in which we see Jesus being recognized as King. He is honored and praised by the crowds. Everything about it seems good and positive and happy.

We typically tell the story on Palm Sunday. And we call it “Palm” Sunday because as Jesus was riding into Jerusalem crowds gathered and they threw their coats and other garments on the road ahead of him and they spread palm branches on the road, as well.

As Jesus was riding, the crowds were cheering and shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” They are calling out “Hosanna!” which is an expression of praise and adoration and joy.

It is an incredible scene. The recognition of Jesus as Lord and the inclination to worship Him is so powerful that when some of the Pharisees complain about what is happening Jesus actually says, “If these people kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

It is extraordinary.

But then the scriptures tell us as He gets a little bit closer to Jerusalem and He sees the city come into view something happens that—in light of what has been going on—seems sort of strange. Jesus looks at Jerusalem and all of a sudden he begins to cry.

Jesus is weeping.

What’s going on? This doesn’t seem like it is a moment in which sad tears would be shed. But reading from the book of Luke chapter 19, here is what Jesus says…  [He is, basically, saying this to the people of Jerusalem.]

“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side.

“They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”
Luke 19:42-44

Jesus is heartbroken. These people—God’s people—had an opportunity. They could have responded to Jesus and the story would have been different. But they did not. And that makes Jesus said.

God cries tears of sorrow.

…Want to hear more?

If you are in the area I invite you to join us, Sunday, August 2nd, at:

First Church of God
4600 W. 111th Street
Oak Lawn, IL

Services times: 9am and 11am


I know some of you who will read this post do not live in this area. If you are interested the rest of this message will be posted on the church website on Tuesday afternoon, August 4th.


Website link:    http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=recent&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/recent.php&

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