I had an experience many many years ago that may have given me some insight into this. Walking down a busy city sidewalk one afternoon, I asked the Lord Jesus, "Give me your heart for these people." Immediately as I was walking, as I passed by each new person, I could feel their pain, their sorrows. I had no special knowledge of their circumstances, but I felt their pain, it was intense and overwhelming. I do not remember if I was in tears or not, but after only one block I asked the Lord to make it stop, and just like that it was over.
I cannot begin to imagine how Christ endured His short period of ministry upon the earth, knowing every heart as He did. But I don't have to guess why His earthly life and ministry were so brief.
I still pray that prayer from time to time. And the Lord still answers, but not in that same way. Mere men cannot endure such things, at least not for long.
As the arteries grow harder, the Godly heart grows softer, or at least it should.
I have experienced much grief in my life, but not even that experience compares to the grief I feel at my own sinfulness. And I am oh so grateful for that blessing.
I cannot begin to imagine how Christ endured His short period of ministry upon the earth, knowing every heart as He did. But I don't have to guess why His earthly life and ministry were so brief.
I still pray that prayer from time to time. And the Lord still answers, but not in that same way. Mere men cannot endure such things, at least not for long.
As the arteries grow harder, the Godly heart grows softer, or at least it should.
I have experienced much grief in my life, but not even that experience compares to the grief I feel at my own sinfulness. And I am oh so grateful for that blessing.
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