Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. – Lamentations 1:12
Legend has it, Macedonian soldiers trained by marching. Stunningly they would march seemingly past the point of human endurance, yet exhaustion and hunger, thirst and cold would not stop them… WHY? The answer is simple, their King, Alexander was known to march WITH them. He was just as hungry and tired and cold as they were, but he walked on. His fortitude was their strength.
How confusing Christianity might appear at this time of the year. At Christmas, Christians celebrate the happy birth of their Savior singing “Oh tidings of comfort and joy” yet they regularly refer to him as a “man of sorrows, despised and rejected.” WHY would anyone celebrate the birth of a child that would be called the “man of sorrows?”
Macedonian soldiers, with the king marching along beside them established the largest empire their time would know. Every follower of Christ understands that kind of Kingly companionship. Jesus knew sorrow and felt the struggle of living a life pleasing to God in a broken world. He personally experienced the betrayal of close friends and the rejection of the elite crowd. Jesus relates to you because He lived like you.
Are you missing the joy in Christmas? Reconsider WHY the birth of Christ is such good news. Your King Jesus walks with you! Pray today for those in America’s leadership that do not know the comfort and joy found in the Man of sorrows. Ask that many will meet Him this holiday season.
Today’s Verse: Lamentations 1:12
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
Look and see
if there is any sorrow like my sorrow,
which was brought upon me,
which the Lord inflicted
on the day of his fierce anger.“
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Mark 14:32-42
And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
