“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me” (Matthew 23:37 NLT).
Jesus grieved over Jerusalem and its people’s rejection of Him. How He wanted to gather them unto Himself to care for them as a hen cares for her chicks. But they were not willing. This is perhaps one of the clearest pictures of Christ’s heart of love and care for humanity revealed, and of man’s unwillingness to respond to His call.
Notice what Christ wants. He wants to gather us and protect us. He calls to us, but He does not force Himself upon us. He knocks, but He doesn’t kick the door down. He warns us of the coming judgment and He pays the price for our redemption with His own blood, but He doesn’t overrule our wills.
Yet He does offer to give us a new heart that wants what He wants, a new will that is in easy alignment with His. Why not let Him have what He wants? Christ wants you.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are in awe that You have loved us so much that You gave us Your Son. We are loved. We are wanted. We are blessed. And we are thankful. Now we give ourselves fully to Jesus, every area and care, we surrender to His will. In Jesus’ name, amen.