READING: Exodus 28:15-29:46, Matthew 23:13-39
Jesus would have gathered the people of Jerusalem under His wings like a mother hen gathers and protects her chicks – but they would not let Him. He stood ready to forgive and love them, but here were His words: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matt. 23:37). His love for them was great, and His passion for them to follow Him was deep—but they weren’t willing. They chose instead to remain apart from a personal relationship with Christ.
My question today is whether I genuinely grieve over people who’ve decided to turn their back on God. I can talk about the tragedy. I can intellectually recognize that those who don’t follow Jesus face eternal judgment. I can teach others that same truth, but that doesn’t mean that I grieve like Jesus grieved over Jerusalem. I can hear His agony in “Jerusalem, Jerusalem” – and I know my own need to agonize over lostness.
PRAYER: “God, break my heart over non-believers around me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 30-32, Matthew 24:1-28