I was reading this morning an account from ACTS 20:17-20; which is often referred to as Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian Church. Paul was going to leave Timothy there to Pastor the church and never see him again. It is, as you begin to read it, an emotional account and recounting of all that they meant to him and all that was accomplished while Paul was amongst them. To be candid, you need to read the whole chapter and listen to Paul as he knows that he will no longer be able to physically and spiritually defend them any more, but they will have to stand on their own "spiritual feet".

THREE times "tears" are mentioned in this chapter. It caught my attention. I guess that is because personally I seem so easily drawn to tears lately. I don't know all that the tears may mean. I am trying to interpret it fully myself. My hope is that a deeper level of brokenness and sensitivity to the Lord is being developed. However, I know the old saying that is often applied to our sons as they are growing up when we tell them, "Big boys don't cry". Tears are not the norm for most men. Most men believe it demonstrates weakness in them. Yet here in this chapter we read 3 times that the men are weeping around Paul and even Paul himself testifies to his own tears. In fact, the last mention of tears in the chapter (v.37) states that they all, "wept freely".

The write of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything (3:1-8). In his list he includes, "a time to weep and a time to laugh" (v.4). I wonder if we are not in a season of tears. I think tears communicate something to God that perhaps no words could ever articulate. Maybe there are seasons when tears are the language that God hears the best. I started to think about tears and what they can communicate:

1. Humility

2. Brokenness

3. Repentance

4. Softness of heart

5. Deep joy

6. Compassion

7. God's Presence

God is looking, I believe, for genuine tears. He rebukes the priests in Malachi's time for weeping and yet dealing treacherously with Him and their families. He finally tells them that their tears, "He regards no more". I guess that is what we call "crocodile tears". God is looking for tears that match the heart. He is looking especially for men who will be broken over their own selfishness and sin. He is looking for men who will be broken over the state of their nation and their families. God is looking to find those who would admit they are weak, for the Scripture tells us that when we are weak...HE is strong. I honestly am beginning to believe that true revival will have far more tears than shouts.

As we enter the season of The Passion of Christ, I am reminded that as Jesus was preparing to enter the city of Jerusalem for the last week of His earthly life He stopped on a hill and looked at the city and wept. His heart was moved at that moment for God's Will for all the people of that city and it "leaked" from His face. I know of no greater man than Jesus, so I guess it is OK for big boys to cry. My prayer is that our faces "leak" even more in these days.

Planting A Cross

Pastor