HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
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 were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
In my opinion, this is one of the saddest and most beautiful utterances made by Jesus during His earthly tenure. Typically, as He deals with the Jews and their hard-heartedness, there is a tone of exasperation, frustration, and even anger at their refusal to see what is right in front of them and repent. But in this passage, you catch a glimpse of the sadness and broken-heartedness that God feels over the refusal of His people to accept His loving care. His desire is to care for them, protect them, provide for them, and be a Father to them, but in the words of Jesus, they “were not willing.” What a sad testament to the Jewish nation and their attitude toward the God who had done so much for them over the centuries. As with all of the biblical text, there is a lesson for us in these words of Jesus. God desires to care for us in the same way that He did for His people under the old covenant. He wants to protect, provide for, and care for us. But we must be willing! God will not force His love or care upon us. But if we will accept Him and faithfully submit ourselves to Him, God will be a loving Father to us. What a wonderful opportunity and blessing!
What is involved in accepting a relationship with God?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
