August 10, 2026
The Time is Now - Part 1
Luke 19:41-44
08/10/2026
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept
over it,
42 saying, ``Would that you, even you, had known on
this day the things that make for peace! But now
they are hidden from your eyes.
43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies
will set up a barricade around you and surround
you and hem you in on every side
44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your
children within you. And they will not leave one
stone upon another in you, because you did not
know the time of your visitation.'' (ESV)
The Bible is quite clear that God desires that all people
come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, have faith in Him, to
receive the gift of everlasting life. We believe, teach, and
confess that the faith which trusts in Christ Jesus is a gift
which we receive as the Holy Spirit causes us to recognize our
sin and to hear of Jesus' sacrifice.
This week our prayer confesses this truth, even as we ask
God's rich blessing on the Church and individuals.
O God, You declare Your almighty power above all in
showing mercy and pity. Mercifully grant us such a
measure of Your grace that we may obtain Your gracious
promises and be made partakers of Your heavenly
treasures; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and forever.
Yet, the Gospel reading for this past Sunday is the prophecy
of the destruction of Jerusalem, spoken on Palm Sunday as Jesus
rode into the city the week He was crucified.
And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over
it, saying, ``Would that you, even you, had known on
this day the things that make for peace! But now they
are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon
you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around
you and surround you and hem you in on every side and
tear you down to the ground, you and your children
within you. And they will not leave one stone upon
another in you, because you did not know the time of
your visitation.''
This week we will see God's love expressed even as He
condemns those who reject Him.
May our Lord grant us wisdom to recognize the opportunity to
hear of His grace. Amen.