Jesus Wept - We often just get Angry

Psalm 119:129-136

“Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore, my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.  I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.  Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.  Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.  Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.  Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes.  My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.”

What happens with our anger and distain over people with wealth and power that break the laws of man and God and get a pass, does it change into tears?  Could it be that is about as close as we come to being like Christ?  Jesus wept over a friend’s death, and the unbelief of the people, and he wept over the city of Jerusalem that killed the prophets and those who are sent to it from God.  He made it clear why He wept in Matthew 23:37, so this question came to me, when will you weep?

If you lived in England, your seat of authority and control is London where the house of Commons and the House of Lords and the Prime Minister are.  At the time Jesus entered Jerusalem the Roman government was in control, and they put two puppets over Israel and Judah, one was Pilate and the other Herod.  The religious leader and the high priest were also a puppet and kept their authority over the people as long as they agreed publicly with Rome.  Not a lot different than one sees in our government, with a bunch of hirelings no matter whether Democrat or Republican.  They make promises they cannot keep and do not represent the people, but whoever will give them wealth and power.  We see it at all levels of our government.  This I know, having knowledge of it and being angry and having contempt for them has not changed one thing, but what about doing as the Psalmist has done, go to the Father in tears, weeping over the mess we are in and the evil in our government?

First, remove the greed and sinfulness in your life, I know you believe your better than most who go by the name of Christian.  Ask the Father to allow you to be open to your messed-up life.  One of your Church friends is more than likely telling the Father they are sure glad they are not like you and guess what, it is centered in our pride.  Then ask the Lord to give you the heart of Jesus, to weep over our messed-up Nation and turn us from evil to God.

Is this your prayer, if not why?  Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.  Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.  Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice