Heartache

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it” – Luke 19.41

From Sam Lomas:

I wonder whether you would consider yourself to be an emotional person or not?  Maybe it’s no big deal to cry at a movie or a book, after all, they are just made up stories.  But it’s a different matter to feel deep sadness over real people and their needs. 

I wonder whether over the past few months there have been moments when you have felt deep sadness at what we have seen unfold around the world due to the covid-19 pandemic.  Or perhaps more recently, in the days gone past, your heart has broken by the scene of George Floyd’s tragic death.  A death that has once again brought to the foreground underlying systematic abuse.

Having such an ache in your heart for others because of their pain, struggles or anything else, is to copy how Jesus Himself feels.  The verse above comes from a time when Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, and was brought to tears at the sight of this historic city.

It’s a striking thought, that Jesus, the son of God, would cry.  It happens quite a few times throughout the Gospels.  What we learn is that Jesus is an emotional being who does not shy away from His feelings, but rather expresses them openly for all to see.  On this occasion, as Jesus looks out over Jerusalem, He weeps for the lost souls within her as soon this great city would reject Him.

Expressing your emotions in response to what you see happening is a good thing – God has created you with emotions for a reason.  The challenge for us is to make sure we channel these emotions well.  Jesus did this when he boldly turned over tables in the temple or the times when He felt compassion for someone and healed them.  Channelling your emotions into godly and righteous actions is pleasing to the Lord.

So where do you start?

First, what is it that really gets your emotions going? Maybe it’s an injustice that you see, a need that isn’t being met or a life that so desperately needs Jesus.  Focus your thoughts for a moment on that thing.  Pray for guidance from God.  Now act.  Channel that emotion you have and make a difference. It may take time.  You may not see immediate results.  But remember, there is a reason you feel emotional.  Use it for good.  Use it for God’s kingdom on earth.