Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5-6
Dear Lord Jesus, my heart grieves and my eyes drip this morning as I remember a friend before your occupied throne of grace. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time I get word of a hard fall… of a friend being suckered punched, “caught” (Gal. 6:1), and “entangled” (Heb. 12:1) in the short-lived pleasures of sin (Heb 11:25).
I plant my tears as seeds of gospel-hope on his behalf. Jesus, because of who you are and what you’ve done on our behalf, I envision a harvest of a restored life and sheaves of redemption… all to your glory.
What he did is serious, and he knows and owns it with profound brokenness and pained contrition. But what happens next is equally serious. Jesus, he loves you so very much, but his affection for you is miniscule compared to your love for him. As some would take up stones to harm him, may he hear you say, “Who is it than condemns you? Go and sin no more.”
Early in this season of Lent, let him survey your wondrous cross, upon which you, the Prince of Glory died for rebels, fools and idolaters… just like me and just like my friend. As the accuser of the brethren screams condemnation, may the cross drown out those damning indictments with its louder boast, “You are fully and eternally accepted in the Beloved!” “Jesus became sin for you that in him you might become the righteousness of God!” (2 Cor. 5:21)
Surround him with those who understand the difference the gospel makes in the face of failure, betrayal and addiction. Raise up “spiritual” men and women who understand the ways of gentle restoration (Gal. 6:1) and the journey to gospel-sanity. Secure him in the counseling, pastoring and community he will need. Show us, his friends, how to love up close and afar.
Jesus, grant my friend deep repentance-a repentance which will result in the fruit grace alone can grow. Keep him “palms up” in the days ahead-praising you, his gracious Redeemer, and surrendering to you, his sovereign Lord. So very Amen, I pray, in your tender and tenacious name.
