My Tears Too!

Reading today's Gospel (Luke 19:41-44) I too was moved to tears:

"As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, ‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you – and all because you did not recognize your opportunity when God offered it!’"

Those words, "...and all because you did not recognize your opportunity when God offered it!" are for me what opens up this passage, makes me tremble for my own sins and weep over those of countless brothers and sisters here and elsewhere.

The Lord Jesus extends His Hand; He comes to our aid and if we ignore Him going about our own way, we do so to our own peril. The prophecy about death and destruction has been fulfilled again and again over the years and it is inappropriate to speculate on where the siege-works will be thrown up next and who next will be annihilated. The Prince of Peace will indeed be seated upon His Throne as King and Judge. Our sole refuge is in Him.

Have mercy, Lord! Grant Your people a time of repentance and grace!