There are times when you can see clearly the calamity that is about to unfold for someone that you know and love – unfortunate consequences that are completely avoidable, if only the person would listen to you. However, sometimes people don’t see what is clear to others. It may be that they are simply too close to the situation to be able to see beyond the immediate circumstances to the trouble that lies ahead. Or, it may be that they are too invested in the current situation to be willing to consider changing course. Therefore, whether they are unable or unwilling to see what is to come, trouble is on the horizon and pain is sure to follow.
Most of us don’t want our loved ones to experience pain and suffering, particularly if it is avoidable. It is for that very reason that we will speak up, even to the point of annoyance, if we think that we can help to head off the disaster. Frankly, to not speak up is to not love. Unfortunately, even our most earnest pleadings cannot guarantee that our words will be heard, let alone heeded. So, what do we do then?
Jesus spent years of his life warning the people of Israel about what was to come, exhorting them to see what he saw and hear what he heard. At times, particularly to those in Jerusalem, he spoke harshly and forcefully. Despite his efforts, his words mostly fell upon deaf ears. Therefore, as his earthly ministry was drawing to a close and he was making his way towards that holy city one more time, Jesus paused when the entire city of Jerusalem came into his view. And he wept.
Jesus didn’t rejoice in knowing that he was right, and that he would be able to say “I told you so.” No, because he loved the people deeply, he grieved, knowing the pain and persecution that they were going to experience because they rejected his message. Because just as love must speak up when danger is present, love mourns when there is loss.
When things go wrong, people may well remember that you had warned them beforehand, trying to get them to change course. However, what they will remember more clearly is if you are one of the first to draw alongside them when they experience the full consequences of their actions, putting an arm of comfort around them and offering support and words of love in the midst of the grief. Your willingness to love them in that moment may be the very thing that opens their eyes that had previously not seen, and opens their ears that previously had not heard, so that they will avoid greater calamity in the future.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron