S -
"Jesus came near Jerusalem. Looking at the city, he began to cry for it
and said, 'I wish you knew today what would bring you peace. But it is hidden
from you now. … you did not know the time when God came to save you.' …
'Whoever loves the life they have now will lose it. But whoever is willing to
give up their life in this world will keep it. They will have eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me. My servants must be with me everywhere I am.
My Father will give honor to anyone who serve me.'" (Luke 19: 41-42, 44;
John 12:25-26 TLJ)
O -
Jesus in tears over people not geography, religious sites, historic buildings,
vibrant markets or beautiful architecture.
A part of this huge miss is directly connected with the terms of peace
heaven offers earth. Repeatedly Jesus
will describe the terms of peace; real and lasting peace here and hereafter. It will require everything one has and is …
everything! The people of Jesus' day were willing to have peace, they were
peace lovers. But they were unwilling to engage the necessary response. Peace makers are those willing to give all to
gain all. The people he wept over wanted peace added to what they already had.
Real peace does not and will not come this way.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to
you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid." (John 14:27). What would our world look like if we all accepted
Jesus' terms for peace? Is Jesus weeping
over me the way he wept for those in Jerusalem?
A - The
terms for peace are the same terms to be a follower … everything. I would like to be among those who do not
drive Jesus to tears. If I give up
everything he in turn will give me everything. If I hold on to anything I lose
everything. I accept the terms of Jesus
for peace and for following … unto the life that is really life.
P - God
who is life, peace, hope and the transformation of all,
Thank you for loving us more
than life. For wanting us at our worst and for refusing to change your
mind. I accept your terms of peace. I choose to lose! I want to lay my life down
so you will take it up; to lose it so you will find it and keep it. I welcome you and your irrepressible life to
come into me and out of me. I would like
to be a source of tears of joy rather than grief … I know you love me either
way. Jesus, I love you back.
Unto peace,
Steve
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