To Know It Is to Weep

A. Jno. 11:35, “Jesus wept.” God has made forgiveness possible. Yet, we do find
the consequences of sin brings much sorrow. As the song says, “This is still our
Father's world." But it is a world tragically broken by our own folly and sin. God
is still dealing with the reality of sin so His purposes will be gloriously
consummated. But, between now and then there is still much that breaks even
the heart of God. Every day millions of those created in His own image suffer
the ravages of "death," even while they live. When you understand this you
can’t help but weep. As Paul said in 2 Cor. 6:10, “We are sorrowful, yet always
rejoicing." But the fact still remains that our joy is not without its sorrow.
1. There is nothing in the world that does not show either our wretchedness or God's mercy, either our weakness without God or our strength with God. Yes,
we like to think only on God's mercy. But, it is the wretchedness of our plight
without God that makes His mercy meaningful. You cannot enjoy His mercy
very deeply if you have not thought about the horror of sin very honestly.
You cannot be truly grateful for forgiveness until you have come to grips with
what your sin has cost God. Only the self-righteous are not moved to tears.
2. It is as Solomon said in Eccl. 1:18, "In much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." The more we know about what goes on in the world, the more we are struck by the sadness of what has happened to God's creation. Sadness is not the whole story, and it's certainly not the end of the story. It's only a part of the story, but it’s a part that is not unimportant. Isa. 53:3 described Jesus as “A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." You can only follow Jesus by going through the cross. At the cross be ready to taste His tears. It’s impossible for one to live without tears who considers things exactly as they are.
3. Acts 20:32.

Spur - 09/07/03 pm