“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34, KJV)
We have all had to deal with someone in our family, on our job…maybe even a good friend who is involved in destructive behavior. We feel a deep desire to help them, but they don’t want our help. We see them beating their head against a brick wall so to speak, but they see nothing wrong with their behavior. They feel they are right based on the logic of this world. Their eyes have been blinded by the enemy, and they fail to see the truth of God. This is not only frustrating but it can also be very heartbreaking.
Well, take heart, because we are in good company! Jesus faced the same thing. He wept over the city of Jerusalem because He wanted to bring them close to His heart to comfort them in the midst of their sorrows, but they would not allow Him to help. We can learn a lesson from Jesus in dealing with such matters. Note what He did! He LAMENTED, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…” To lament is to offer a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Notice, Jesus’ lament was not to the citizens of Jerusalem; they could not hear Him. He lamented to the One Who could hear—His Father.
- When persuasive words fail to penetrate the hard heart—LAMENT to the Father!
- When well-reasoned arguments fall on deaf ears—LAMENT to the Father!
- When passion in your voice falls on a heart of stone—LAMENT to the Father!
- When crocodile tears fail to move the human heart—LAMENT to the Father!
Let us go the Throne of Grace,
The following is not necessarily a prayer but a word of encouragement:
LAMENT to the Father in Heaven, and the arm of Omnipotence will be moved to work on our behalf! Storm the Gates of Glory, and the Father will fight the battle!
~Dr. William R. Glaze