He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.
~Psalm 126:6

Today, in our morning devo, my kids and I read Psalm 126.  It relates the emotions of the Jewish captives as they receive the news–Good King Cyrus decreed that they could return to their homeland!  The psalm ends on this note:  he who sows in tears, will reap in joy.  The Jewish nation certainly had their share of tears, but there was joy ahead.

An application  for the Christian could be made here. It may be difficult, even dangerous for those sharing the gospel, but it will be worth it, there will be great rejoicing.  Luke 15:7 tells us, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents…”

When it comes to our burden for the lost, it has been said, “Winners of souls are first weepers for souls.”

Let me look on the crowd as my Savior did,
Till my eyes with tears grow dim.
Let me view with pity the wandering sheep
And love them for love of Him.
—Author unknown

Do I weep for souls?  Do I look at strangers as they pass me by, heart aching at the thought of their lost eternity?  Do I love them like He does? Do I love them enough to tell them there is Good News for those with no hope?

We have been given “The Great Commission”  in Mark 16:15.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

This is for every Christian.  Not just those who are ‘good’ at it.  Not just the extroverts.  Not just the evangelists.  I have mentioned before:  I am non-confrontational by nature. I am nervous.  I am anxious.  I am shy.  Sharing the Good News with strangers often terrifies me.  Sharing the Good News with people I know, sometimes more so.  Yet, my heart wants them to know the truth.  The reality of their eternity is at stake.  While I do pray, even cry out at times for the salvation of loved ones and strangers alike,  I wish I could say my burden drives me to my knees repeatedly in anguished intercession, that I weep for them, that I am bold and purposeful in sharing with them.  Sadly, this is not always the case.  They need to hear the Gospel.  If I don’t tell them, who will?   I may be the only Christian to cross their path.  They may not have a ‘tomorrow’ to hear it.  Romans 10:14 reminds us, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher [one who will tell them]?”

Lord, may I weep for the lost.  Give me courage to be their preacher.