"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... 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.”

Luke 19:41 -44

The religious leaders did not receive their King (vv. 41–44). Instead, they wanted to quash the excitement and silence the praises of the people (v. 39). Jerusalem had rejected her Messiah and the temple had abandoned the true worship of God. That was enough for Jesus to weep for the city. Israel had headed down a road that did not lead to peace (v. 42) but to destruction. As a result, Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple for forsaking God (vv. 43, 44). The world we live in today is no different from the Jerusalem who rejected its King. In many parts of the world, hostility toward the Christian faith is rising. In some countries, church attendance is declining and many are abandoning the faith. Do we weep for our nation, city, or even our church? Will we stand in the gap and pray for our nation and church?

CLOSING PRAYER

O Lord, I lift up my country and its people to you. Forgive us where we have lost sight of you; I plead for revival, for your healing and blessing.

(Edited from Encounter with God)