God Cares

Are you touched by the tenderness of God’s heart? Jesus sits across the Valley looking across at Jerusalem. It is late in His ministry and though acclaimed, been popular, sought by the masses, He knows that shortly He will pay the ultimate cost for loving mankind. As He sits there, He laments,

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” ¹

Those of us with farm experience where hens were allowed to hatch their own brood of eggs know the image. First the hen takes several days laying the eggs but during this time must keep the clutch of eggs warm under her. Her body shelters and warms. Then after hatching, they require her body heat as they begin to grow but she also continues to protect them from elements that could snuff out their tender lives.

Jesus says, “How often would I have gathered yours but you were not willing!” Think of what was forsaken by being preoccupied with tradition, the busyness of life, the distractions of tomorrow or even the tiredness of survival. What is it that interferes with us drawing near to the LORD, to drawing as near as He desires us to be to Him?

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. ²

And now you know.