Predictable Outcomes
What evil fate could we avoid?
As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 'If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.' - Luke 19:41-44
Today's Gospel reading contains some harsh words from Jesus toward the city of Jerusalem.
By refusing to see the truth, the city has condemned itself. Does that mean the destruction of the city will be God's doing? Or is it merely the end that is inevitable based on how the people act?
Do you think Jesus thought he could change the outcome when he started his ministry? Or was he just trying to save those who would listen, knowing most wouldn't?
I think it was the latter.
How many times have you set out to do something you knew would be less than successful? It can be discouraging, but you plod along anyway, with the hope you will make a difference.
The message here is one of faithful persistence. Hope against hope leads us to continue to persevere when all signs point to failure.
If the mission was to save all of humanity from ruin, we could say that Jesus failed, but if it was to bring hope where there was none, he was a huge success.
Because of him, so many were saved from a life of fear and shame. We have been redeemed, and that changes everything.
So, Jesus, on his entry into Jerusalem, laments. If only you had listened, he says.
What is it we need to listen to?
Maybe it is what God is trying to say to us right now.
More to come...