Crying for Peace
Scripture Reading — Luke 19:37-44
He wept over [the city] and said, “If you … had only known on this day what would bring you peace …”
—Luke 19:41-42
Have you ever cried over a broken relationship? Have you wept when your spouse abandoned you, when a friend slandered you, when the boss fired you, or when your child rebelled in hate against you?
Jesus had tears in his eyes as the crowds shouted his praises while he rode into Jerusalem on the last week of his life on earth. They were tears of great sadness. Despite the joyful celebration that day, Jesus knew that in a few days the religious leaders and residents of Jerusalem would reject him and crucify him.
They imagined they were close to God by their worship in the magnificent temple. But Jesus knew that their hearts were filled with pride and were far from God. Their insincere prayers and offerings were actually an offense to the Lord. Only Jesus could bring them into a peace-filled relationship with God. But they didn’t recognize him as the Son of God. The Jerusalem crowds executed the ultimate Peacemaker.
Jesus, however, laid down his life to pay for our sins, and then he took it up again, making it possible for all sinners to have peace with God! (See John 10:17-18.)
There is a cure for broken relationships and the destruction they cause. Jesus knows the pain in your heart. And he is alive now, offering healing and reconciliation. He can dry your tears if you accept him and his peace for your life.
Lord Jesus, you know the troubles in my life. Show me how to make peace with God and with the people in my life. Amen.
About the author — David Zandstra
David Zandstra is a retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, having served five churches from New Jersey to California. Along with other ministries, he counsels clients of a pregnancy resource center. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the training and resources of Peacemaker Ministries. David and his wife, Margie, have three children and six grandchildren.
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