JESUS’ COMPASSION
‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem’
The ministry of Jesus was met with opposition right from the beginning. The Pharisees, who should have welcomed Him with open arms, were some of the strongest opposers of His teaching. They considered themselves religious, but had actually hardened their hearts to truth, substituting their own precepts and regulations. The editor of a small newspaper in the west had an empty column and decided to fill it with the Ten Commandments. He printed them without comment or explanation. Three days later a letter from an irate reader came saying, ‘‘Cancel my subscription immediately, your paper is getting too personal.’’ Such is often man’s reaction to God’s truth. God’s reaction to man’s opposition is shown here. He has compassion. We need to follow His example. When there is opposition to the gospel as your share your testimony, remember to exercise compassion. In love, reach out to those who oppose or ridicule. Continue to encourage them to accept the word of God. Be in prayer for them, that their hearts will be softened.

JESUS’ CONCERN
‘How oft would I have gathered you’
It seems the nation of Israel had turned a deaf ear to the call of Jesus. Today, many are doing the same. It is sad to see so many interested in the pleasure of sin for a season, with no time for God. A few years ago, a young girl fell down an old dry well. The television showed the heroic efforts of hundreds of men and women who joined together to save her. The good news was that in 58 hours they were able to free her, safe and sound. The sad news is that during that same period over 10,000 babies were aborted. Something is terribly wrong with man’s thinking. Often we consider rebellion as being outside the church, but it isn’t. There are even false teachers and false prophets in the church. The Bible warns us about them, so it shouldn’t be a great surprise. Satan himself is called the great deceiver and a liar. How does Jesus react to man’s rebellion? He continues to call. This is the age of grace, the time God is appealing to man through the gospel. Christ has paid the penalty for sin and offers forgiveness. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. How long will He continue, we can’t say. Have your responded? Are you concerned for others, before it’s too late? Follow the example of Jesus and work while it is day, the night comes when no man can work.

JESUS’ CONDEMNATION
‘Ye would not’
Despite the compassion and the continual calling, the nation, for the most part, turned away. They had no time for Jesus. Rather than submitting, they attacked Him. Unwilling to give up their rebellion, they continued doing their own thing, without regard for God’s truth. No amount of teaching or encouragement will stop some from turning away. It’s somewhat like a little town in South Dakota which has a sign just outside the town limits reading, ‘Population, 30,000 friendly people, and a few soreheads.’ There will always be the soreheads. The saddest part about opposition to God is that the one opposing always loses. The world, Satan, or the flesh always wins. It is a hopeless situation. Today, if we continue to turn from God, there is only one alternative, an eternity in hell, separated from His love and provision. It’s no wonder people don’t want to hear about hell today. They want to continue in rebellion, but they don’t want any punishment.

You can feel the concern and compassion in Jesus’ voice, as He stood outside Jerusalem. He is just as concerned today. Are you? Don’t allow those who will not listen to the message of salvation keep you from sharing it. Ask Jesus to give you the ability to tell others and the desire to share. It is by following Him and His example we have the victory. Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless.