'Jerusalem, 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! ~ Matthew 23:37
As children grow older, then tend to pull away from their parents and insert more and more independence. The parent longs to hold them and show them they are loved, but the children want nothing to do with it, often treating the parent as if they are embarrassed by them or being disrespectful to them. Not all children are this way, but it seems that in today's society, we see this more and more.
Things weren't any different in Jesus' day. The Jewish people had pulled away from God - making up their own rules to include with the laws given to them by God. They were no longer close to God. Instead, they wanted to do things their own way. They didn't listen to the signs of the time - recorded throughout their Holy Word. Had they paid attention, they may have seen the ultimate sign of God's love standing right among them. Instead, they scorned Jesus. They later punished Him and put Him to death. God had the ultimate gift of love right in front of their eyes and allowed His own son to die for the sins of all people so that they could one day come back to Him and join Him in His Heavenly kingdom.
God longs to gather us all to Him in His loving embrace. We are His children that He paid so high a price for. Are we willing to be gathered to Him? Are we willing to put away our stubbornness and allow God to fill us with His love? Or are we going to continue to pull away from Him to "do our own thing? The choice is ours to make. Just remember, we only have "forever" by choosing God and His love for us, and "forever" doesn't wait.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your unconditional love for us, despite our selfish ways. Help us to chose wisely by choosing to let You take control of our lives and fill us with Your perfect love for all eternity. Amen.
~ Wendy Miller
