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.