Several things here we can see from this sobering passage:
• The fact that Jesus wept over impending destruction means God’s will is NOT automatically done. This is a HUGE fact we must communicate to people, as many people stumble as they see evil not being corrected by a powerful God.
• The condition God wanted them to meet to avoid this impending destruction was that they recognize the “time of their visitation”.
• A few verses earlier the crowds were praising God with a loud voice for the great miracles they had seen, praising Him as the King. We call this Palm Sunday.

So, what does Jesus mean here, that they are not recognizing the “time of their visitation”?!
• Well, a few days later, many in this same crowd would yell “crucify Him”.
• This word “visitation” in the Greek language is episcope. It basically means investigation, inspection.
• So, while they’re happy for the blessings and miracles, they weren’t willing to bring their lives under divine inspection. We see this today.
• I’ve seen many lives and families destroyed because they wouldn’t embrace divine inspection. Notice Jesus said, “you and your children” in Luke 19.
• The case can be made that our entire life is meant to be a readiness for that ultimate inspection.

(same Greek word)
The “one day” conversation is woefully missing in our vocabulary today. We see the results. There is a lack of a sense of accountability in behavior.

Why do we need inspection?
• We all have blind spots
• We can all be emotionally compromised
• We can all ‘flesh out’
- 1 Peter 2:11 (above)
- Covid didn’t help

Inspection is not just to ‘keep us from doing bad things’, but to help us exceed our current limitations
• Henry Cloud – “The Power of the Other”, story of the Navy Seal trainee who was ‘done’.
• As a clinical phycologist, he says our brains literally get rewired through
supportive relationships

Levels of inspection – from broader to narrower light
• A church that worships in Spirit and truth
John 4:23-24
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- You’re not ordering off the menu then. You’re eating what is being served.
- The word episcope (“visitation”) is also translated ‘bishop’ (pastor).
Pastors bear the burden of accountability for our souls.
• The scripture
- (John 12 – in the last day it will not be I who judge you, but My Word)
• A small team for fellowship and prayer
• Personal accountability partners
• Personalized counseling (this is the laser beam)

Examining yourself

This is who signs up for divine inspection.
This is who will ultimately pass eternal inspection.

These are the “things that make for our peace”!