WEDNESDAY January 11, 2017
Shedding Tears
So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. - Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah was a man who wept for the people in Jerusalem. Once he had heard of their terrible distress, the state of the city’s walls, and the gates burned with fire, he set himself apart to pray and fast. He mourned for many days, as he felt a deep grief over his brethren’s sad condition. His tears were shed in complete sincerity and truth.
The Apostle Paul, in Acts 20:19 also wept. There were four types of tears he shed. First, for the non-believer––those who had rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Second, for those who were carnal––believers who were continually overcome by their fleshly appetites. Third, for false prophets–– teachers who tried to corrupt the simplicity of the Gospel through their false teachings. Fourth, he wept for the Church of Jesus Christ.
Paul, through his godly jealousy selflessly cared for the churches. He spoke of his true commitment as a minister of Jesus Christ. Think about what he went through on behalf of others:
…in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often… in journeys often… in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often… besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians11:23-28).
What is your commitment to ministry like? Seriously––we need to weep in the presence of God for others. When was the last time you cried over somebody’s spiritual condition?
Jesus wept.
~John11:35~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!