PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 23:37-39
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I have longed to gather your children together… and you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37)
In this picture, a very religious family is busy doing their religious duty.
They sit as a family and listen to the bible, but don’t hear Jesus knocking.
Jesus wants to be a part of their home life, but their home is closed to Him.
This picture captures well how Jesus felt about the religious leaders.
I grew up with the experience of religion, I knew its doctrines, practices and ethic.
I converted to ‘churchianity’, and even became a religious leader in the church.
But all the while Jesus was knocking, and I was not opening the door.
He wanted me to let Him save me from religion, and restore me to relationship.
Only after I was became a church leader that I came to know Jesus personally.
Knowing Jesus personally, knowing His love and concern for me, is liberating.
In church, I was so close yet so far; Jesus was right there, but I didn’t know Him.
I still struggle to not let church and religion take over my life.
But now at least I’m willing, I want to hear His Voice and be with Him.
May the epitaph of my life not be, “and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)
PRAYER
Lord, I don’t want a book or religious duty, I want You and God as the center of my life. I am willing, but I am slow to learn. Keep knocking, I’m coming!
Lord help me be a gracious host. My pride and insecurities can make for a messy home and my unbridled tongue can drive guests, that you have sent me, away. I’m reminded that whatever tomorrow has in store for me, it is delivered while I’m under the shelter of Your wings, so I don’t need to worry about it.
Jesus gathers His children saying let the children come to me and do not hinder them. He gathers and protects but His people must be willing. He knocks at the door and I need to open and accept and serve Him. Listen to His voice and say to Him I come.
1 Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2 Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
3 Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
4 Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
“Your house is left to you desolate” – striking words. Thinking of how many empty church buildings there are especially now. The church is not the building – its the people. Without people but especially without the ‘one’ that draws us together – who calls us – we are also left desolate. Our homes too, and our personal temples – are desolate without Jesus – without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants to gather us together as a community – under his shepherd care – even if we are apart physically – but not spiritually. Jerusalem had the temple – but God was no longer there! I need Jesus to be at home with me!