“As (Jesus) approached and saw the city, he wept for it, saying, ‘If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’” – Luke 19:41-42

My grandfather passed away last week. He was my hero in so many ways. He touched countless lives simply pastoring two small churches and working at a Christian college. His deepest desire was for people to know Jesus. I was asked to share the message of Salvation at his memorial service. I accepted the invitation because I saw it as an incredible honor to share the Gospel at the service for this wonderful man of God. I must admit, though, I was scared. I was not sure I could make it through. I loved my grandfather deeply. He walked me through some of my most difficult times and taught me so much about ministry. Much of who I am today is because of him. How can I stand and speak in front of everyone while my heart was breaking?!

However, as I prepared to preach that message last Friday, I found something surprising taking place inside me. Reflecting on the Gospel slowly took away my sadness over the passing of my grandfather and began to fill me with a deep sorrow for those who have not yet surrendered their lives to Christ. When I thought about grandpa I smiled. When I thought about the lost friends and family, I cried. It was more difficult to look at those who did not know Jesus than it was to look at the pictures of grandpa. You see, no matter the state of our physical body, those who know Christ are truly alive, and those who do not are dead. I understood why grandpa had such a passion, and I understood why his heart was so broken for his lost loved ones. After that service, I am beginning to see people in ways I never saw them before. I pray this heartbreak for the lost never fades.

Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see life and death from a spiritual perspective. Let us weep for the lost among us as much as we weep for the ones who have left us. Let us see death in the spiritual realm and weep for those who are not yet alive in You. Give us a passion to preach the Gospel and bring life to dead people.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon