Pleadings - part 2 {Mercy on a Mountain}

Can you feel the excitement of the throng? Can you imagine the thrill of the disciples who think that now, at long last, he is proclaiming himself king? And they will be honored at his side! Their human imaginations run wild...

And yet...

Can you know the solemness in the heart of Christ? Can you see through his eyes the same people in less than 5 days spitting in his face and asking for a murderer in his place? Can you feel the desperate longing in his heart for them to see and understand who he really is and what he has come for - to save them from an evil that binds them in a bondage more fearful than any earthly power could.

"While the Jews desired the advent of the Messiah, they had no true conception of His mission. They did not seek redemption from sin, but deliverance from the Romans. They looked for the Messiah to come as a conqueror, to break the oppressor’s power, and exalt Israel to universal dominion. Thus the way was prepared for them to reject the Saviour."1

Do I long for deliverance from the uncomfortable world and the circumstances I find myself (or get myself) into?

Or do I long for deliverance from sin itself?

Would I reject my Savior?

.....

They reach the brow of the hill and behold the beloved city. The sight is stunning. "From the crest of the hill where Jesus and His followers stood, it had the appearance of a massive structure of snow, set with golden pinnacles."2 The multitude is enraptured in the pride and glory of their nation. Turning to look at Christ they expect His face to reflect the awe and admiration felt by their own hearts. 

But instead they are shocked to see His eye brimmed with tears. He raises His hand as if trying to stop the wave of doom steadily approaching the self-assured nation with the now setting sun. His body sways with grief. A midst heart broken sobs the words escape His quivering lips, "'If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!—' Here the Saviour paused, and left unsaid what might have been the condition of Jerusalem had she accepted the help that God desired to give her,—the gift of His beloved Son."3

His beloved Son. 

As one version puts it...His cherished Son.

Not just a temple, the pride and glory of a nation...

The glory and majesty of heaven itself. This gift...come to die for her.

.....

"He takes up the broken thread of His lamentation: 'But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.'"4

His child. Like a father morning for his son. He weeps, heart pulsating with pain. " How can I give thee up? How can I see thee devoted to destruction? Must I let thee go to fill up the cup of thine iniquity?"5

Must I let thee go?

"One soul is of such value that, in comparison with it, worlds sink into insignificance; 

"but here was a whole nation to be lost. 

"When the fast westering sun should pass from sight in the heavens, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be ended. While the procession was halting on the brow of Olivet, it was not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. The angel of mercy was then folding her wings to step down from the golden throne to give place to justice and swift-coming judgment. But Christ’s great heart of love still pleaded for Jerusalem, that had scorned His mercies, despised His warnings, and was about to imbrue her hands in His blood. If Jerusalem would but repent, it was not yet too late. While the last rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple, tower, and pinnacle, would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour’s love, and avert her doom? 

"Beautiful and unholy city, that had stoned the prophets, that had rejected the Son of God, that was locking herself by her impenitence in fetters of bondage,—her day of mercy was almost spent!"6

He pleads. Mercy pleads. For you. For me. His hand stretches out still.

Am I letting the last rays of sun set on my day of grace?

Will I let His desperate pleas be in vain?

1) DA 29.4

2) DA 575.2

3) DA 576.3

4) DA 577.1

5) DA 577.3

6) Ibid.