Daily Reading: 6 February
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Jesus wept.
Something to read
As [Jesus] came near and saw the city, he wept over it.
- Luke 19:41 from full reading Luke 19:41-44.
Something to think about
When the people who usually comfort us cry, we know that something is wrong.
We all know those people, the unshakeable rocks in our lives who give us strength. The people who we always think are unflappable, who cope with everything. Jesus is one of those people. I think of him as ready and able to deal with every situation that life throws at him, his gentle authority guiding him through even the toughest moments. Yet here, we stand with Jesus as he weeps for Jerusalem. We meet not his strength, but his compassion and love. These wells are so deep that they overflow with tears for the brokenness he sees, for the pain he knows is present and the trouble yet to come.
Can you imagine Jesus’ tears flowing for you?
His tears flow for the brokenness of the world and the impact that has on our lives. The hurt and pain that our sin inflicts on others, both those we know and those we don’t. Jesus’ tears flow because the world is not as it should be but in those tears, we discover the heart of a saviour who acts to wipe away the tears of the future.
Something to do
Read the ‘What we believe’ page on the Christian Aid website. Share with someone how the love of God shapes your response to sadness and suffering you see in the world. Pray together for a day when all tears will be wiped away and plan for the next step you can take in bringing that day nearer.
Something to pray
God of compassion,
in Jesus’ tears we see the depth of your love for us and for your world.
Through that love, grow our hearts
that we might weep with Christ for the needs of the world.
May our tears flow into action,
and our compassion crystallise into change.
Through the love of our saviour, Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Today’s contributor is Andy Stinson. A disciple, husband, dad, deacon and priest. At the time of writing, Andy is Rector of Barrow (near Chester) and Worship and Liturgy Missioner for Chester Diocese.