Living in a Land of Broken Hearts
Luke 7:11-17
3 million children/USA abused each year. Women sexually assaulted every 2 minutes; 354,000 yearly. 1 million children exploited by global commercial slavery. 27 million adult slaves today worldwide. 1.02 billion people hungry/ 1/6th of humanity undernourished. 1.1 million couples in USA divorced last year. 56 million people die yearly. 17,000 homicides in USA. 45,000 traffic accidents die. 2.4 million Americans die yearly.
Bob Dylan “Everything is Broken.” Broken lines, broken strings, broken threads, broken springs, broken idols, broken heads, people sleeping in broken beds. Ain’t no use jiving, ain’t no use jokin – everything is broken. Broken bottles, broken plates, broken switches, broken gates, broken dishes, broken parts, streets are filled with broken hearts, broken words never meant to be spoken – everything is broken.
I. Understanding the Land of Broken Hearts (Introduction)
A. It is Universal: Everyone experiences it
B. It is Defining: Everyone is forever changed by it
C. It is Fearful: Everyone speculates about it
II. What does God want you to know when your heart is broken? (Luke 7:11-17)
Luke the doctor describes the scene. Nain: 25 miles, late afternoon, day journey from Capernaum, only a 10 minute walk to Shunem, where Elisha, raised another mother’s son (2 Kings 4). An open coffin, preceded by a pathetic figure of a woman, stood directly in Jesus’ path. Death of an only child, pale young corpse, Alone in a world without provider or protector.
A. He is there when you think He is not (Compassionate equally to all in this world)
To the ancient world, particularly the Greek world, the noblest way of living was Stoicism. The Stoics believed that the primary characteristic of God was apathy, incapability of feeling. If someone can make someone show emotion, it means they can influence the person. No one can influence God. In this passage, there is no stronger word, than this It refers to what is inside. An emotion with a physical effet.(Matt. 14:14; 15:32; 20:34; Mark 1:41; 8:2; Jn. 11:33 “horse snorting, deeply moved, involuntary gasp).
People said God visited his people.
Lamentations 3:22 “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”
B. He cares when you think He does not (Concerned equally with suffering and sin)
Touching a coffin meant sure pollution according to the ceremonial law of the OT (Num 19:11,16) but Jesus knew the Law required mercy above sacrifice.
C. He wants you to know that His parade of life will overcome any procession of death (Committed equally in providing new life)
The funeral procession would be headed by the band of professional mourners with their flutes and their cymbals, uttering a kind of frenzy shrill cries of grief.
III. How should we live in a land of broken hearts? (Application)
A. Listen Attentively: Everyone has a story!
B. Love Actively: Everyone needs others who care!
C. Pray Always: Everyone needs intercessors!
The Way Christian Fellowship, June 6, 2010. Dr. Tony Baron, teaching pastor. www.findtheway.org. To contact our teaching pastors, you may reach Deacon Kirsten Gardner at mgardner600@roadrunner.com or Fr. Tony at tbaron@dtwc.com.