August 11, 2026
The Time is Now - Part 2
Luke 19:41-42
08/11/2026
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.'' (ESV)
God does not force Himself on anyone. He offers life and
salvation, the peace which comes from knowing your sins are
forgiven, to all people. Each person has the right to reject
God's gracious gift, for God did not create us to be robots, but
intelligent beings.
This week the Church prays:
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.
How does the Gospel reading which we heard last Sunday
reinforce the truth that God's power is found in mercy and pity,
not in a show of force?
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.''
The Father sent His only-begotten Son, Jesus, to pay the
price of our sin. Jesus willingly took on our human flesh,
placed Himself under God's Law, and fulfilled that Law perfectly.
Yet, in His innocence, He was crucified because He took your sin
and mine upon Himself, suffering death and condemnation so that
you and I may live with Him for all eternity. This sinless Son
of God wept in grief and sorrow for those who were about to put
Him to death. He never desired their destruction. He never
desired their condemnation. His death and resurrection covered
their sin as much as it covers the sins of those who do not
reject God's offer of life.
May our Lord grant that we hear of His mercy and pity, and
believe in Jesus as our Redeemer. Amen.