By John Abiola
.”And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes… because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” — Luke 19:41–44.
One of the most moving scenes in the Bible is Jesus standing over Jerusalem and weeping. He did not weep because the city lacked wealth, influence, education, or religion. He wept because its people failed to recognize God’s gracious visitation.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world. He came to reveal the Father, proclaim the Kingdom of God, call sinners to repentance, seek and save the lost, and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, God Himself was visiting His people. The One whom the prophets had foretold was standing in their midst. He healed the sick, opened blind eyes, preached the truth, called people to repentance, and offered peace with God.
Yet many did not recognize Him. They welcomed His miracles but rejected His message. They desired a political deliverer but refused the Savior who came to rescue them from sin.
That is why Jesus said, “You did not know the time of your visitation.”
Their greatest tragedy was not that God failed to visit them. Their tragedy was that God visited them, yet they did not recognize what He was doing.
Jesus also warned that judgment would come upon Jerusalem because they rejected God’s offer of peace. Within a generation, His words were fulfilled when Jerusalem was surrounded, the temple was destroyed, and countless lives were lost. The warning had been given, but many ignored it until it was too late.
Why did Jesus weep?
He wept because He loved the people.
He wept because they were spiritually blind.
He wept because they refused to repent.
He wept because they were heading toward destruction while believing everything was well.
His tears reveal the heart of God. God does not delight in judgment. He delights in mercy. He patiently calls people to repentance before judgment comes.
The message of Luke 19 is not only about ancient Jerusalem. It also speaks to every generation.
Today many nations, including America, have been greatly blessed. The gospel has been preached for generations. Churches have been planted. Missionaries have been sent throughout the world. Bibles are widely available. Christian schools, ministries, and countless faithful believers have testified to Christ.
Yet alongside these blessings, many signs of spiritual decline can also be seen. Many people have turned away from God. Moral confusion has increased. Violence continues to wound communities. Families are under pressure.
Many hearts have become indifferent to God. Even within many churches there is the danger of losing first love, neglecting prayer, and depending more on human strength than on the Holy Spirit.
These realities should not lead believers to despair or self-righteousness. Instead, they should move us to humble ourselves before God, pray, repent, and faithfully proclaim the gospel.
The question is not whether America is worse than every other nation. Every nation stands in need of God’s mercy.
The real question is this: Will America recognize God’s visitation?
God still calls people to Himself through His Word.
He still convicts hearts by His Holy Spirit.. He still saves sinners through Jesus Christ. He still revives His Church when believers humble themselves, repent, and seek His face.
Throughout history, God has visited His people in remarkable ways. One example is the Welsh Revival of 1904–1905. Ordinary believers responded to God’s call with repentance, confession of sin, prayer, and wholehearted surrender to Christ.
As God worked in their hearts, many lives were transformed, churches were renewed, and communities experienced profound change. Revival did not begin with human greatness but with humble people who recognized God’s call and responded in obedience.
There is another lesson from history. The sinking of the Titanic reminds us that warnings should never be ignored. Before the ship struck the iceberg, repeated warnings had been received. Confidence and complacency led many to underestimate the danger until it was too late. Spiritually, Scripture also contains loving warnings. God calls people to repent, not because He desires judgment, but because He desires life.
The greatest need of America today is not merely political change, economic prosperity, or social reform. Those things have their place, but they cannot heal the deepest problem of the human heart.
America needs men and women to return to God.
The Church needs to return to its first love.
Believers need renewed passion for prayer, holiness, and God’s Word.
The lost need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Families need the transforming grace of God.
Communities need the peace that only Christ can give.
The invitation that Jesus gave to Jerusalem is still extended today.. Return to God.. Repent while His mercy is available.
Receive the Savior while the door of grace remains open.
Recognize the day of God’s visitation.
May America not repeat the tragedy of Jerusalem by ignoring God’s gracious call.. May the Church awaken before it is too late.. May believers humble themselves before God.
May sinners come to Christ in repentance and faith.
And may the Lord once again pour out His mercy, bringing revival to His Church and spiritual awakening to the nation—for the glory of Jesus Christ alone
Final Appeal and Prayer:
As I conclude this message, my heart is burdened for America, Venezuela, Nigeria, and the nations of the world.
The recent tragedy in Venezuela has reminded us once again that life is fragile, tomorrow is not promised, and every nation stands in need of God’s mercy.
Our hearts and prayers go out to every family that has lost loved ones, to those who are injured, to the displaced, and to the courageous rescue workers, humanitarian agencies, and volunteers serving those in great need.
May God show mercy where there is suffering, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are rescuing and serving, and provide for every family affected.
Rather than allowing this tragedy to pass as just another headline, may it awaken our hearts to seek God while He may be found. May the Lord use this difficult moment to draw many people to Jesus Christ. May He forgive our sins, show us His abundant mercy, heal broken hearts, save the lost, restore backsliders, revive His Church, strengthen pastors and spiritual leaders, raise up faithful intercessors, and awaken a fresh hunger for holiness, righteousness, and His Word.
May America recognize the day of God’s visitation.
May Venezuela know the comfort, mercy, and hope of God.
May Nigeria and every nation humble themselves before the Lord.
And may the Holy Spirit once again visit His Church with genuine revival and bring a mighty spiritual awakening among the lost, so that countless lives will be transformed and Jesus Christ alone will receive all the glory. Amen!
“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”
— Psalm 85:6
Revive US Again series 141
Revive Us Again — A Global Prayer Movement for Worldwide Revival
By John Abiola
Intercessor | Revival
Writer
Nigeria Global Intercessors
G.mail: globalintercessors7@gmail.com.