The Father's Love

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth till ye shall say: "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord". – Matthew 23:37-39.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by preaching and working miracles, had done so much for the people of Jerusalem in order to reveal Himself to them; but He had always been rejected. On this Tuesday in Holy Week, in the temple, the chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people had continually harassed and tempted Him. They even held counsel on how to kill Him. So now, in the presence of all the people, powerfully and repeatedly, Jesus cried woe upon these murderous hypocrites.

At last He said: "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets and wise men and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation."

And then He pronounced upon the whole of Jerusalem, encrusted in unbelief, self-righteousness, and carnal-mindedness, the stirring as well as portentous words written above. Yea, He often would have gathered Jerusalem, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings; but they would not. As Jerusalem had always been a murderess of prophets, so even now it brooded murder against Him and His witnesses. Therefore an end must be made of Jerusalem and of the temple and of the service and of the people. And Him, the Savior, they were not to see henceforth, not until they shall see and hear Him on Judgment Day, when, with gnashing of their teeth, they shall be constrained to confess that it is He to whom they must say: "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Matthew 23.)

This text serves as a reminder for all Christians how much the Lord does love us. That despite our continual rebellion He still comes to us and offers forgiveness and salvation. However, these days of grace will one day come to an end. Judgement Day will come and those who, like the ancient Israelites, reject Jesus and His offer of free salvation will be punished. As the Lenten season approaches we turn our attention towards Calvary and the empty grave, but as we do so we should also think about those around us that are rejecting God's grace. If judgement were to come today where would they be eternally? Use today to share the gospel and invite your loved one to find comfort in the loving arms of Jesus.

PRAYER. – Lord Jesus, I thank You that – through Your Gospel – You have taken me under Your saving wings and to this point have kept me there! Govern me, I implore You, by Your Holy Spirit, lest, after all, I reject such grace. Grant that I may appreciate the same ever more, and accept it ever more thankfully, gladly hearing and learning Your precious Word, living according to it, and being governed by it, to the end that now I may know You to be my gracious Savior, and when You shall come again, that then I may enter the eternal mansions with You. Amen.

Hymn 33, 8.
Lord Jesus, who dost love me,

O spread Thy wings above me,
And shield me from alarm!

Though Satan would devour me;
Let angel-guards sing o’er me:
“This child of God shall meet no harm!”