Broken-Hearted...

“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! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39 ESV) More evidence that Jesus' words in this chapter are as much or more sorrow than anger are found in this concluding paragraph. Despite the fact that God's prophets had repeatedly been rejected, even violently, by the people of Israel, and Jerusalem in particular, God still looked lovingly on them, wanting them to come under his care. Instead, they were like chickens in the barnyard, going around aimlessly, making noise, open and oblivious to whatever wolves may come after them. It need not be so. Jesus is coming again, in judgment, and has sent his warnings. Mixed with those warnings are the invitation to come to Him for protection and care. Are we listening?