Righteous Grief

Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44,‬ ‭NIV

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Most people know that Jesus wept over the grief of his dear friends at the death of Lazarus, but did you know the Bible records two instances where Jesus wept? He wept and grieved over the sadness of a family of people he loved, and he wept and grieved again over the lostness of a city of people he loved. 

It was a spiritual grief which manifested in physical grief. Jesus knew the city and its people were going to be facing persecution and judgment, and he was grieved over it.

And that’s how we should be.

Grieved over those who don't see him.

Grieved over those who don’t know his peace.

Grieved over those who don’t recognize him.

Spiritual grief. Righteous grief. Love. 

Oh Lord, thank you for your great love for humanity. Help us to see people through your eyes, so we can feel for them through your heart. Amen.