Sunday, February 28, 2010

Reaching out...with open arms...

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets, you stone the messengers God has sent you! How many times have I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you would not let me! Luke 13:34

If you have ever loved someone you could not protect, then you understand the depth of Jesus’ lament. They are in pain or are lost or frustrated, but every attempt to come to their aid is rebuffed. Any attempt to comfort them is brushed aside. The idea of you being able to advise them, help them, direct them or simply stand with them in their time of trouble is summarily dismissed. They can do this themselves. They don't need your help. They don't want your help. And so you end up standing there...pathetically...with your arms extended and opened while they suffer on their own. You cannot make them walk into them. You cannot force them to accept your aid and comfort.

This is what Jesus offers to Jerusalem. It is what he offers us every day. Grace upon grace. Love upon love. Forgiveness. Healing. Comfort. Purpose. Strength. Direction. Presence. All this is offered freely, but how often don't we reject what he offers us because we want to do it by ourselves. We claim to have no need of God. And his response to our rejection is simply to open his arms wide and say, "Come. Come and find rest and healing and life and love in my grace." The question is will we accept his invitation?

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