Sunday Tears

I know a few people who weep on Sunday: preachers whose sermons could have used a few more hours of preparation before delivery; homebound folks who would love to be in a worship service but cannot; workers who, by no choice of their own, must be on the job during times of Sunday worship. But the most significant tears ever shed on Sunday were those of Jesus. The day has been labeled by scholars as, “The Triumphant Entry” and by modern holiday-makers as “Palm Sunday.” Traveling with His disciples toward Jerusalem, Jesus paused on the top of the Mt. of Olives, “saw the city and wept over it” (Luke 19:41). What He heard and saw was worship. People were waving palm branches, a practice reserved for one of great esteem and respect. They were shouting “Hosanna” meaning “Save us we pray.” Jesus didn’t weep over the worship but over what would follow, for many of these same people shouting, “Hosanna” on Sunday would be shouting, “Crucify” on Friday. I wonder if Jesus still weeps on Sunday, as He observes our worship – not because it is unplanned or unpolished, but because it is insincere. Often, the intensity of our Sunday worship fails to translate into the consistency of our weekday activities. I want to change that this week, and be able to say to Jesus, “Don’t cry, Lord. It’s going to be OK.”

Join me as we remember the following global concerns:
• Pray for Eric and Tricia as they re-adjust back to the US after four years in Thailand.
• Pray for Tim & Elisa as they anticipate the birth of their first son a long way from home.
• Pray for Lori as she awaits the proper time to return to her field of service.