People have been crying more lately. Have you noticed that? As the 10th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on our country approaches I see patriotism burn to the point of pain in the hearts of our nation. The memories of that day are brought back with all its raw emotion. It easily chokes us up. A tear rolls down my cheek as the national anthem is sung. I see crying on television as families retell the stories of lost loved ones...the innocent, the brave, the heroes… who are still missed terribly. Parents are hyper-sensitive as they send off their young men and women to military service. Yes, our emotions are on edge.
Jesus cried. He cried when He saw His people harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He cried when He saw the pain in the lives of His friends who had suffered the loss of a brother (John 11:25). He cried when He stood looking over a sinful city, Jerusalem, which had failed to recognize Him as Messiah (Luke 19:41). I imagine He cried along with each of us on September 11, 2001 and those terrible days that followed. Jesus cries when cancer invades our bodies. He cries when our relationships crumble. He cries when our hearts are burdened with sadness and fear and the dreaded unknown.
He cries because of His great love and compassion for us as we live in this broken world. Yet His promises and His faithfulness are still true. ‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
Is our church a place where people can experience the compassion of Jesus? Is His heart of love evident in us? Are His healing hands touching others through us? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, to cry with the hurting and then lovingly and practically care for their needs? How can we share the unfailing love of God and His peace at this time in history, and with individuals carrying heavy burdens? These are questions worth asking because people have been crying more lately.
May God clearly direct and bless Peace Church through our organized caring ministries. May God clearly direct each one of us as individuals to be attentive to all whom God ordains to cross our path. We are people with a hope. We are broken but claimed. Let’s share the hope, the love, and the promises of God as we extend our hand to help.
Please check out the page on what is happening at Peace on September 11 and invite others you know to join us.
See you in Church,
Polly Wegner
Director of Discipleship
