Luke 19
41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,
42 saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.
“The things which make for peace”... had eluded them and Jesus weeps openly because it could have been so different. God was their source of peace and He had come to them but they did not recognize nor appreciate this precious time of Divine visitation (v.44). Jesus weeps openly that they failed to acknowledge His gracious effort to reach them, leaving them doomed to a life of turmoil now blinded to any hope for peace.
When we take lightly or squander our time of visitation of God’s presence, that which makes for peace becomes a life dominated by that which makes for fear, grief, guilt, failure, and the constant sense of hopelessness. Perhaps we still remember how God put mentors in our path, gave us pastors who loved us, opportunities to serve in His kingdom, and the blessed joy and peace of mind that we no longer experience. However, now that seems gone forever.
So, is there any hope of ever knowing this peace again? Jesus declares to Jerusalem that hope for them was now hidden from their eyes and their sad destiny was set. But if you were like them then you would have likely stopped reading by now. Nonetheless, there are some who have no sense of regret or desire for repentance. Regret eventually faded over time and now their peace comes from the meaningless validation of those who are just as broken because as Jesus said... their eyes have been blinded.
But perhaps you are not yet blind to the truth that sets us free. Perhaps you have known all too well the pain and regret of disobedience but you still have not forgotten the “Way” home. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise (Psalm 51:17). But the heart that insists that “I am fine but just misunderstood” is the heart without hope. The defiant heart is blind.
But, if Jesus weeps uncontrollably when He looks at your life and you can’t help but weep with Him... then yes, there is hope. Run to Him with gratitude that your eyes are not yet blinded to “the things which make for peace”. Such is a blessed opportunity which some will never have. Renounce the lies and excuses and fall honestly and humbly on your face before God seeking forgiveness... and cry with Him.