LUKE 19:37-44
After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the world was overwhelmed by the images that were being released. Among the various heartbreaking pictures, one caught my attention. It showed a lady gazing at the enormous destruction and crying. Her mind could not deal with the suffering of her people, and as her heart was shattered, tears flowed from her eyes. Her response was understandable. Sometimes crying is the most appropriate response to the suffering that we or others are experiencing.
As I looked at the picture, I thought of the compassion of our Lord. Jesus understood the need to cry, and He too wept. But He wept over a special kind of devastation – the destruction caused by sin. As He approached Jerusalem, marked by the corruption, injustice and pain they create, His response was tears. Jesus wept out of compassion and grief.
When we encounter the inhumanity, suffering, and sin that ravage our world, how do we react? If the heart of Christ breaks over the damaged situation of our world, should not ours? Should we not do everything we can to make a difference for those in need, both spiritually and physically?
Compassion offers whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
🙏Lord, when we look at devastated lives, cities and nations, help us to know what to do and to say. Speak to our hearts and give us compassion. Let Your great love flow through us today. Amen.
