Abounding In Tears

Jeremiah 9:1 Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Jeremiah 9:18 And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.

I. The Reason for Our Tears – 8:18-22

A. The Loss of Honor – vs. 18, 19

Is not the Lord in Zion?
Is not her king in her?
Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images?
…and with strange vanities?

B. The Lateness of the Hour – vs. 20

The harvest is past; the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

C. The Lack of Healing – vs. 22

Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is not the health of my people recovered?

II. The Reflection of Our Tears

A. Tears Reflect Sadness

You can tell a lot about a generation by what makes them sad.

James 4

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

B. Tears Reflect Seriousness

People weep over things that are important to them.

Illustration: Nehemiah 1

C. Tears Reflect Selflessness – that I might weep day and night for…my people

EXAMPLE: Paul in Acts 20 –

Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

III. The Reaping of Our Tears

Tears are a language that God understands.

We are not going to see any reaping until we see some weeping.

Psalm 126

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.