Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

1 November 2024

Reading From Luke 18:15-19:48

“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

–Luke 19:41-44

     After the death of His friend Lazarus, Jesus wept.  Here again we have this beautifully touching scene where we see a glimpse of the heart of God for humanity.  His remarks referencing “the things that make for peace” interest me.  What are the things that make for peace?  We find that many of His teachings inspire more peaceful relations between human beings.  “Turn the other cheek,” and “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” and “Deny yourself and take up your cross.”  As we take the whole counsel of God into our hearts, inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and bear spiritual fruit in our lives, we will see peace on Earth and goodwill toward all peoples. 

     The vast majority of the inhabitants of Jerusalem did not take the teachings of the Lord Jesus to heart.  Their consciences were seared by their sin and hearts were hardened by stubborn unbelief.  One day they celebrate Him and His miracles done among them and a short time after called for His crucifixion.  Even among His followers, most of them ran away and cowered in the shadows after His arrest, trials, torture, and death.  Here Jesus is predicting that in less than 40 years, the city will be destroyed by the future Emperor Titus and the Jewish state would collapse.  The wind was sown and whirlwind was reaped.

“Lord, it breaks my heart that there are such tragic prophecies, and yet even the ones that predict catastrophe confirm that You alone are God and that Your Word the Bible is to be relied upon for light and truth.  I pray that we would treasure these things in our hearts and live by them.  Give us the strength and courage that we need to stand upon the promises of Your Word and live by Your precepts that we might enjoy Your blessings.  In the Name that is above every other Name, even Christ Jesus I pray.  Amen.”

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”

–Matthew 23:37