Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kills the prophets, and stones them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathered her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
What of Today’s Verse…
Our Lord’s ministry began with an octave of Blessedness, but it ended with a sevenfold woe, which He pronounced on the religious leaders of His time. He did not threaten, but pronounced the inevitable outworking of their evil ways.
Men often quote the punishment that follows sin as indicating some harsh or vindictive sentiment on the part of the Divine Being. They do not understand that, whereas human sentences are often arbitrary, God’s judgments are natural, i.e. they are the inevitable result of wrong-doing. The penalty is part of the constitution of the universe. The final judgment of the great White Throne will only announce the penalty which man’s sin has produced.
God is merciful as well as just, but if a man will tamper with explosives, He does not save his face or limbs. Our Lord was not animated by personal invective when He pronounced the terrible judgments of this chapter. There were tears of sorrow in His voice as He said; this temple is no longer My Father’s House, but “your house which is left unto you desolate.”
We read of the “Wrath of the Lamb,” but it is the counterpart of Love; not vindictive wrath, but the bitterness of disappointed Love! Notice the gleam of light at the end of this chapter. Jesus seemed to hear the welcome which would be accorded to Him in that day when He shall finally appear to vindicate and save His brethren according to the flesh (Mat_23:39).
Let us Pray:
O Lord, make us, we implore Thee, so to love Thee that Thou mayest be to us a Fire of Love, purifying and not destroying. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Admiration
With prayer as my practice and Spirit as my guide, I respond to life in mindful ways.
I admire those who have acted courageously and honourably under difficult circumstances, and I am thankful for all those whose lives have made a difference in the world and in my life.
My admiration for others reminds me to act wisely and courageously when faced with a challenge. I, too, can be of service to those unable to help themselves or those who need encouragement. With prayer as my practice and Spirit as my guide, I know what to do and how to respond in mindful, effective ways.
I honour every life given in service to others, and I honour every life lived in alignment with the guidance of Spirit. To everyone who has acted selflessly, I say, “Thank you!”
We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
