City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

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.” 

-Luke 19:41-44 ESV

A child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. The responsibility of complete dominion will rest on his shoulders, and his name will be: the Wonderful One, the Extraordinary Strategist, the Mighty God, the Father of Eternity, the Prince of Peace!

-Isaiah 9:6 TPT

Aisha’s Analysis

On the heels of His triumphal entry going to Jerusalem, we find Jesus weeping over the spiritually blind in the city. He then goes on to prophesy the looming destruction of Jerusalem. This shows us God’s love and judgment intertwined as one and displayed masterfully in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and kingdom.

As we’ve discussed previously, Jesus was not coming to overthrow the Roman empire as those in the city were eagerly anticipating. Rather, He came to make peace with mankind once and for all by overthrowing the dominion of sin in fallen humanity. 

However, this truth was hidden from their eyes, which evoked Jesus’ lament over the city. He was saddened that they could not embrace the reality of who He is, and He accurately predicted the downfall of the city. 

Interestingly, I don’t think Jesus was trying to rain on their parade by prophesying their impending doom. I think He was accurately putting everything in its proper place. He was saying “Look, the thing you’re putting all your hope in that you think will save you will eventually be destroyed, but I’m still here. Focus on that. Why can’t you see what’s right in front of you? I’m everything you’re hoping for and beyond!”

Application

How often do we miss Jesus because we’re too caught up in our own way of being right with this world? Are you distraught that things aren’t going your way or grateful that Jesus conquered sin and made a way for you to be in right relationship with a holy, all-consuming, wonderful God? 

Take some time in thoughtful reflection today to honestly assess where your heart is at. Is your deepest hope in the external or the eternal? 

If you are caught up in the external, let this be a moment of recalibration for you. Everything you can see is fading away. But Jesus’ unshakable kingdom stands forever. How can you seek God’s Kingdom first today? What does that look like? If you’re not sure, ask the Lord and see what He says. 

If you are letting the Prince of Peace rule in your life and staying focused on the eternal, then celebrate your King! Know that Jesus is coming back again, and that makes all the difference in your life today! 

Prayer

Father God, how grateful I am for Your rule and reign in my life. Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and You hold me together. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.