“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” [Matthew 23:37-39 ESV]
I think that this is an odd thing for a person to say - odd unless they are God incarnate.
In likening Jews to be his children Jesus speaks of his pre-human existence.
His lament over Jerusalem gives us a peek into God's heart of compassion towards Israel.
So often when we read the Old Testament and miss that aspect of God.
Too often we fail to read between those lines and see a Heavenly Father inviting us to bow.
It causes me to see Israeli history through the compassionate eyes of Jesus.
I think that this divine attitude of gracious compassion prevails yet today.
This merciful and loving invitation is open for everyone who will bow in humility.
God longs to gather us under his wings. He longs to bless us.
Sadly, as in the case of Israel, our pride rises up and we often refuse to bow.
Jesus speaks of a day to come when the Lamb of God is unveiled as the King of kings.
On that day every knee will bow and everyone confess Jesus is Lord.
I repent of my stubborn pride Lord. Please forgive me and help me to bow each new day.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
I love the picture of the hen gathering her little ones, and how God desires to pull me under his protective wings, and does so often.
ReplyDeleteI want so badly to gather my grandchildren under my wings of influence, and live the life in front of them.