The disciples brought a colt to Jesus, “Jesus was SO OVERCOME with DEEP SORROW AND GRIEF in His heart, that TEARS BEGAN TO FLOW from His eyes, and He openly and verbally expressed His EMOTIONAL LAMENTATION OVER JERUSALEM…the disciples threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and PRAISE GOD WITH A LOUD VOICE for all the mighty works they had seen…” (Luke 19:35-37)
David wrote in the Psalms, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem— “May those who love you be at peace!” (Psalms 122:6) History has shown that Jerusalem HAS NOT BEEN a city of peace even until recent times. In its turbulent history spanning 3,500 years, Jerusalem has seen so little peace. At least 118 major conflicts have taken place over it, and rivers of blood have been shed to possess it. It has been besieged no less than 32 times, attacked and plundered by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Seljuk Turks, Crusaders, and finally the Ottoman Turks. And even when Israel re-acquired Jerusalem in recent times, it has become a terrible bone of contention between the Palestians and the Jews. Blood is still shed in terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. It is no wonder that some have called it ‘THE MOST CONTESTED PIECE OF REAL ESTATE ON EARTH.’
His tears must also REMIND those who are STILL UNSAVED not to forsake the opportunity for peace with God that Jesus came to bestow on us. As the Prince of Peace He alone can bring sinners into A PERMANENT STATE OF PEACE with God “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have PEACE WITH GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1) and grant them the perfect peace of God which passes all understanding, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and THE PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all understanding, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) JESUS HAS GIVEN OPPORTUNITY AFTER OPPORTUNITY to many of the unsaved TO POSSESS THIS PEACE. And yet strangely, many choose to FORSAKE that opportunity or to DESPISE it altogether! The Bible is clear that our ultimate source of happiness and pleasure is found ONLY IN GOD. David wrote, “In Your presence is FULLNESS of joy; in Your right hand there are PLEASURES forever.” (Psalms 16:11)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham