Of Hen and Chicks

Luk 13:34 — Luk 13:35

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Reminds me of the game "eagle catch chick" we used play in our childhood days! Yet now with such a sobering message as it applies to our spiritual state.

Again we read of the similar charge laid upon the Jews by Jesus (cf. Luk 11:51). And truly, it was not as if God did not try! God had been merciful and long-suffering since day one! Yet the Israelites have rejected God's protection over and over by turning a deaf ear to God's spokespeople, and even persecuting them.

It seems incredulous that this could happen to God's chosen. Why would such a privileged people be so stiff-necked and hard-hearted? Why would any sane person reject the protection of God especially when the "eagle" is lurking around, ever ready to snatch the straggling chick?

Yet think about it as it applies to our own situation. God's protection is still valid and open today. To whoever is willing to submit and come into his brood. But that requires that we follow exactly what He commands and not what we THINK He commands or even worse, what we FEEL is right and convenient for us, since after all doesn't God loves us and want us to be happy?

God obviously desires all to be saved (1Ti 2:4; 2Pe 3:9)! And He is able and willing! That's why He is able to make demands of us. Even if it may feel uncomfortable and even "unreasonable" or "unfair" to some, the ultimate reward is much more than we deserve.

At the end of the day, whether one believes and follows Christ or not, ALL will bow to Him and confess His Lordship in the day of Judgment (cf. Phi 2:9-11). The only difference being, will it be in mortal fear and trepidation, like that of the devils, or in joy and expectation for the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:8).