When Did You Last Shed a Tear?

Michael E. Wood

May 15, 2012

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8: 18-25 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

God as a Father, through the Son, by the power of His Spirit, initiates and sustains our thoughts toward Himself: the Father, by that which He has decreed; the Son, by what He has done through the finished work of the cross and His present intercession; and, the Holy Spirit by working in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, and will do to the praise of His glorious grace.

He has chosen to use men and women as vessels of mercy to each of us as members of His body to build one another up in the faith as the aroma of life unto life and to the lost as the aroma of death unto death. In the poem that follows, I am thankful first of all to God for this stewardship of which He has called me to in recording thoughts poetically.   Though imperfect, I trust Christ is magnified thereby.

Though it is never truly possible to give credit to all who have been an encouragement in writing any particular poem, there are often those who stand out in a moment of time for their godly influence. While listening to a message online by Pastor Michael Karns of Beacon Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina based on Romans 8:1.  To the best of my memory he made the statement, “When was the last time you wept simply because you were overwhelmed by the grace God has given to you?”

Next, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has left us some incredible insights through his commentary developed from his sermons on the book of Romans.

At the present Pastor Robert Briggs is preaching through the book of Revelation on Sunday mornings at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Sacramento, California.

And finally, I am so thankful for my precious wife, Dianna, who not only is a help in guarding this season of time which has been given to us; but , is also my sounding board for suggestions in difficult lines and for the maintenance of biblically sound, God glorifying thoughts.

Oh when did you last shed a tear as all of grace, not sinful fear

You were o’ercome by such love that only God Himself above

Could have drawn from your own heart through Christ who did to you impart

The sweetness of His sacrifice to raise us up not once but twice?

First within, as in His train, we follow, as He is our gain

And fills us with expectant hope with all creation as the scope

Of which He shall one day release and bondage from corruption cease

As manifest the sons will be, to shout His praise eternally!

Oh when did you last shed a tear for those of whom you now hold dear

Or those of whom you daily pass who have no hope of Christ; Alas,

Are you so now hardened by the things of earth you cannot cry

Out to Him and faithful sow the Seed of life in Christ to show

That He alone by God’s decree has shed His blood upon the tree

To vindicate the awful wrath due all who stay on sinful path.

Apart from His redeeming grace we too would not behold His face.

So measure now the gift He gave and weep that He may others save.

Oh when did you last shed a tear and mourn o’er sins remains so drear,

Yet knowing what our Savior said, you shall be blessed and Spirit led,

Transforming every single thought as captives of the One who brought

Us to Himself and thus display the power of His cross that day

In which the luster of His jewels shine bright in glory as He rules

With love perfecting every strain of songs of praise as we shall reign

Forever in our Father’s house, as Christ the bridegroom, we the spouse

Fulfill all that which was decreed; He is our all, and all we need!

Oh if you shed not godly tears, you have good reason then with fears

To dread the coming judgment day when wrath on you will then display

The glory of Almighty God, whose love you spurned, as He will trod

The winepress of His fury as, depart from me is what He says

To all who did not to him flee. Oh will you not NOW bow the knee?

And humbly from Him mercy seek, as grace He gives to sinners meek,

And blessed are they in all the earth as they inherit by the worth

Of Christ the Lamb for sinners slain! Come Lord Jesus, make it plain!