In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus weeps when He approaches the city of Israel because they have missed the message and the Man of Peace:
"As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it 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. 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. 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 recognize the time of God's coming to you. [time of visitation]" -- Luke 19:41-44 (NIV)
The people of God didn't read the signs around them and they didn't see the hand of God working out their redemption. It was right before their very eyes and they were missing it. I wonder how many blessings, gifts and works of God we miss because we are distracted either by the cares of this world or by the Enemy of our soul. Consider these three facts that are revealed in this short glimpse of history:
Jesus' heart breaks and He openly sobs when He sees His people outwardly acting like He is important, but inwardly living for themselves. Is your life consumed with you? Is what you need, want and hope for more important than what God is trying to do in your life?
Don't miss the peace of God! His perfect and unexplainable peace is available to all who would trust in Him fully and follow His ways. (John 16, Philippians 4:4-7)
For a more in-depth teaching of this concept, you can listen to my sermon "Are You Missing the Peace?" at: northsidemobile.org or by visiting Northside's podcast on iTunes.
- The people of Israel (God's chosen) were outwardly celebrating Jesus' triumphal entry on that day, but were inwardly seeking selfish gain from Him. (What are your motives in following Christ? In going to church?)
- The people of Israel were declaring Scriptures openly, but inwardly they were completely disconnected from that very Truth. (When you say praise words to God, are you just repeating what you've heard or are you genuinely declaring it to Him?)
- They were watching the triumphal entry of Jesus into the Holy City and the truth was hidden from their very eyes. (Are your spiritual eyes opened to see God's hand in all the circumstances around you?)
Jesus' heart breaks and He openly sobs when He sees His people outwardly acting like He is important, but inwardly living for themselves. Is your life consumed with you? Is what you need, want and hope for more important than what God is trying to do in your life?
Don't miss the peace of God! His perfect and unexplainable peace is available to all who would trust in Him fully and follow His ways. (John 16, Philippians 4:4-7)
For a more in-depth teaching of this concept, you can listen to my sermon "Are You Missing the Peace?" at: northsidemobile.org or by visiting Northside's podcast on iTunes.
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