How can we cultivate a heart like Jeremiah's for the lost today? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah’s Tears “Oh, that my head were a fountain of tears, my eyes a spring of water, that I would weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” (Jeremiah 9:1) Jeremiah felt God’s heartbreak over Judah’s rebellion. His sorrow was not momentary; it flowed “day and night.” He embodied God’s grief for people rushing toward judgment. Recognize Why the Lost Matter to God • Every soul bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27). • Christ “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). • The Lord “is patient… not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). The more clearly we grasp these truths, the more naturally we feel Jeremiah-like anguish when people ignore their Creator. Invite the Spirit to Soften Our Hearts • Ezekiel 36:26 promises a “new heart” and a “new spirit.” • Romans 5:5 says “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” Ask the Spirit to strip away indifference, expose hidden prejudices, and replace coldness with divine compassion. Embrace Holy Brokenness • Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” • Matthew 9:36: Jesus “was moved with compassion” when He saw the crowds “harassed and helpless.” Allow yourself to feel the weight of lostness. Avoid numbing distractions. Silence and fasting can help our hearts ache in sync with God’s. Cultivate Constant Intercession Jeremiah wept; Paul said he had “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” for his unbelieving kinsmen (Romans 9:2-3). Follow their example: • Keep a list of unsaved family, neighbors, leaders, and unreached peoples. • Pray by name—daily—asking God to open eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6). • Insert brief prayers throughout the day: in traffic, at checkout lines, scrolling news feeds. Speak Truth Fueled by Love Jeremiah delivered hard words because he loved his people (Jeremiah 7:1-7). Genuine compassion refuses silent complicity. • Share the gospel clearly (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Season speech with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Trust God for results; you sow, He saves (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Live a Visible Testimony • Philippians 2:15: “Shine as lights in the world.” • 1 Peter 2:12: conduct that provokes questions “about the hope within.” A consistent, joyful life authenticates our tears. When the lost see Christ’s character in us, our words gain credibility. Nurture Ongoing Compassion • Revisit Jeremiah 9:1 often; meditate until your own eyes moisten. • Read missionary biographies; attend testimony nights. • Spend time among the hurting—shelters, hospitals, prisons. Proximity intensifies compassion. Look Ahead to the Ultimate Hope Revelation 7:9 – 10 pictures “a great multitude… from every nation” worshiping the Lamb. God will answer our tears with saved lives. Until then, let Jeremiah’s fountain of tears flow through us—fueling prayer, witness, and sacrificial love for the lost. |
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