The Voice of One Who Wept

May 4, 2026

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them...
~ Matthew 9:36 KJV ~

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few." (Matthew 9:36-37 KJV)

Martha Snell Nicholson was a bedridden invalid who suffered from four incurable diseases.   She lived for Christ, battling pain for over 35 years in a day when painkillers & modern hospital equipment was not widely available. After being an invalid for many years, her loving husband, who served by her side faithfully, died suddenly. 

But pain is often a conduit for some of the most beautiful treasures of the Church. Through her pain and suffering came some of the finest Christian poetry ever written.

The Voice of One Who Wept

Today I heard the voice of one who wept
In far off lands
Because of sin and misery,
And begged with outstretched hands
For one small lamp to light his dark.
Now fain I would have slept,
So stopped my ears, but in my heart
That sobbing voice still wept.
And then I heard the voice of one who
Counted not the cost,
But left His ivory palaces to seek and
Save the lost.
He said, "The sound of one who weeps
Is coming up to Me.
Dost thou forget that last command
Which I gave unto Thee,
To preach my Word to all the world?"
O, bitter be our shame!
Still hopeless millions walk the earth
Who never heard His Name,
And still the world spends lavishly
In every crowded mart,
And still the voice of Him who wept
Is sobbing in my heart!

(Source: Discipleship In the Home devotions)

Darrell Stetler is a pastor, and the creator of the Obedience Challenge, a 90 day study on all the commands of Jesus.

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