Father, my heart is heavy this afternoon. A wonderful woman from one of my churches is in the midst of her last days with us. You will be welcoming her home soon. Watch over the family and hold them close. Amen.
Matthew 23:37-39 (<<click to read the passage)
As a child, I remember a series of books that were meant to communicate a theological message to children. They had big full-color pictures which I loved.
One I have thought of off and on over the years was called The Little Red Hen. The story is about a little red hen that, sensing danger from an onrushing prairie fire, gathers her chicks beneath her, losing her own life in the fire, but protects her brood from harm. One little chick that did not come to the mother is lost.
Of course, the lesson that is communicated is that Christ did the same for us, giving His very life that we might be saved.
Reading these verses brought it to mind again. The header over this passage in the New Living Translation is Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem. The Amplified Bible’s header reads Lament over Jerusalem. Lament is defined as a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Jesus’ heart breaks for us. He longs (can I emphasize that word any more?) to gather us together under His protective wings. He loves us more than we can even begin to comprehend but so, so many refuse to find comfort there. But, truly, who knows us better than He?
Once again Ephesians 1:4 speaks volumes,
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Lord, help us to be drawn to You. May we understand that the greatest of comfort and protection is found in Your loving embrace. Amen.
Oct 22nd, 2018, Mon, 3:29 pm
