Thursday 31 May 2012

Bible Book:
Luke

"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!" (v. 34)

Luke 13:31-35 Thursday 31 May 2012

Background

Previously in Luke 13, Jesus deftly handled the criticism of thereligious leaders of his day when he healed a woman who had beenill for 18 years (verses 10-17). In today's passage by thePharisees, there is no criticism, just a warning to 'leave town',and for his own safety it would seem. But again Jesus isundeterred.

In rebuffing the antagonistic remarks of the religious leaders,Jesus has called them "hypocrites" (v. 15). So it is no surprisethen that his response to this threat on his life from Herod is metwith the same directness. His response is to send a verbal messageto "that fox" (v. 32), outlining his itinerary. He had nothing tohide; in fact he seemed to be saying: 'Tell Herod this is where hecan find me'.

There is a confidence in Jesus' response to this new situation,matched only by the compassion that he goes on to express forJerusalem (verses 34-35), one of the oldest cities in the worldwhich still uniquely embodies so many of the significant encountersof God with creation. But it is not for the legacy of itsarchitecture and infrastructure that he expresses such deep regard,but for its inhabitants - the people through whom and to whom hewas sent to save the world.

It may be hard to imagine just how Jesus felt at this point, butwhatever his feelings, his words suggest an unshaken focus on hispurpose, and an undaunted love for his people. It takes more than apositive mental attitude or a 'glass half-full' approach to havesuch a mindset. It takes a deepened relationship with God - who islove - to reach out to those God's love. To quote the soberingwords of Charles Wesley:

A charge to keep I have: a God to glorify;
a never-dying soul tosave, and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age, my calling to fulfil;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will!

Arm me with jealous care, as in your sight to live;
and O your servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray, and on yourself rely,
so shall I not my trust betray, nor love within me die.

To Ponder

How do you respond when you are criticised?

How do you show compassion in the face ofdifficulty or adversity?

What does today's passage encourage you to do orbe?

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