The Need for Tears ~ Luke 19:37-44

Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, we were all overwhelmed by the images of devastation and hardship endured by the people of Haiti, especially by the many heartbreaking pictures: one in particular captured my attention. It showed a woman staring at the massive destruction, and weeping. Her mind could not process the suffering of her people and as her heart was crushed, tears poured from her eyes. Her reaction was easily understandable. Sometimes crying is the only appropriate response to the suffering we encounter. As I examined that picture, I thought of the compassion of our Lord Jesus. Jesus understood the need for tears, and he, too, wept over a different kind of devastation – the coming destruction of Jerusalem brought on by sin. As he approached Jerusalem, marked by corruption and injustice and the pain they create, Jesus’ response was tears. Now as he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it (Luke 19:41). He wept out of compassion and grief.

As we encounter the inhumanity, suffering and sin that wreak havoc in our world, how do we respond? If the heart of Jesus breaks over the condition of our world, shouldn’t ours? And shouldn’t we then do everything we can to make a difference for those in need spiritually: “Compassion offers whatever is necessary to heal the hearts of others.”

Bro Isaac Kapa (Tongaren, Kenya)