Tuesday

“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!”—Luke 13:34

In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of how children and adults see things in very different ways.  As children, we consistently wish to be older.  We wait with anticipation for the year we start school, turn “double digits,” obtain driver’s licenses and head off to college or other adventures.  We want to fly the coop.  The last thing we desire is to gather under a mother hen’s wings.

As adults, we often find there are advantages in being taken care of.   Maturity brings recognition of our limits.  Security becomes more important.  We leave our flighty years and desire to settle down. 

The Jerusalemites of whom Jesus was speaking did not yet understand the benefits of shelter in Jesus’ arms.  Growth can be a good thing, but Jesus’ words remind me to pray for the maturity to quell my more heedless desires for flight and take comfort in God’s shelter. -- LG

Lord, grant us strength to relinquish.  Help us find our shelter in you.  Thank you for your willingness to gather us near.  Amen.