Today's Meditation
Read Luke 13:31-35
31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Theologically there's a lot to unpack in this passage as Jesus speaks of his role among the Israelites as a prophet/messenger and foretells his death and resurrection, but I want to concentrate today on the second half of verse 34, "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you are not willing!"
The role of a hen is to provide shelter, warmth, comfort, a sense of home and safety for the baby chicks. Without this, they are left to their own devices. Parents know how strong that urge is to protect their children, to provide for them, to make sure they are warm and comfortable, have a sense a home and safety. However, children are often rebellious and think that they don't need a parents guidance or protection. This does not always bode well, especially if the child is not ready. Jesus desires to provide that mothering hen role for us. Do we think we, too, like rebellious children, don't need it? The people of Jerusalem refused, will you?
I haven't added a musical offering to the daily meditation in a while, but someone posted this the other day. I think you'll like it.
One Pair of Hands by Elvis Presley
No comments:
Post a Comment