The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 (NLT)
We live in a world where the brokenness is evident. Some people realize their brokenness, while many do not. We need to understand three things about the brokenness in this world. At times, our sin is the cause of our brokenness; at other times, it is because we live in a fallen world under a curse. But finally, there is a brokenness that God can use to heal the world.
Ecclesiastes consistently reminds us of the futility of our existence. Another way of describing this futility is brokenness. When something does not work correctly, it is broken. The Preacher makes an unambiguous point: all humanity, including you and me, has sinned, disregarding God’s plan and design for the world.
David declares that God desires the sacrifice of a broken spirit. Our problem is that everything in us usually breaks except our spirit. It is incredible how we can remain proud, even arrogant, celebrating our brokenness. Instead of shame, there is rebellion. The best way to face our brokenness is to have an encounter with God.
Isaiah was a man of God, even a prophet, but when he had a vision of God, he became aware of his brokenness. Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Isaiah 6:5 (NLT)
An encounter with God exposes the reality of our condition.
The Broken Heart of God
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. John 1:10–11 (NLT)
It may be hard to imagine God with a broken heart, but when we take a moment to remember how his creation has treated him, it makes sense. Any average person is affected by rejection, especially from those who are near and dear to us. Why do we think that God would be any different?
John tells us that the creator of everything entered the world he created, but the world did not even acknowledge him. Further, his own people, whom he chose, went beyond ignoring him, even rejecting the Prince of Peace.
We see the broken heart of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem before the crucifixion. But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Luke 19:41–42 (NLT)
The prophets of old so closely identified with God that their words reflected God’s broken heart. For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken; I mourn, desolation has taken hold of me. Jeremiah 8:21 (LSB)
God can identify with us in our brokenness because he experiences the pain of rejection. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NLT).
Embracing Brokenness
Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 1 Corinthians 15:43 (NLT)
God heals the brokenhearted and gives us joy instead of sorrow. Yet, there is a place for voluntary brokenness. Unless we embrace brokenness identifying with the lost and suffering, we will not be able to minister the love of Jesus to the brokenhearted.
The song Hosanna by Brooke Ligertwood features these words: “Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause. As I walk from earth into eternity.” Oswald Chambers offers this counsel:
Why has God left us on the earth? Is it simply to be saved and sanctified? No, it is to be at work in service to Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine for Him? Am I willing to be of no value to this age or this life except for one purpose and one alone—to be used to disciple men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ? My life of service to God is the way I say “thank you” to Him for His inexpressibly wonderful salvation. [1]
We may desire a comfortable existence, free from pain and brokenness, but that would mean closing off our hearts from the pain and brokenness in this world. Embracing the brokenness of this world for the sake of Christ presents a dichotomy that Paul illustrated: Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10 (NLT)
To Be Like Jesus
…Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Philippians 2:1 (NLT)
Cynicism can be a self-defense mechanism that justifies closing our hearts to those who are in need. In many areas, homelessness is increasing. We see increasing numbers of people living on the streets in tent communities. Does the sight of these people bring compassion in us? Does our heart break like Jesus’ heart broke when he saw people in trouble?
An old song of the church expressed this desire: “To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus. All I ask, to be like Him.” For many of us, Jesus found us in a place of brokenness. He touched and healed us, bringing us to a place of freedom in his family.
Jesus saves us from our brokenness so that we, in turn, will share his heart of compassion and love for a lost and dying world. It is an impossible task on our own, but with God, all things are possible.
Steve Ekeroth
[1] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today’s Language , ed. James Reimann (WORDsearch, 1992), 46.