"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing!"
Matthew 23:37
Matthew 23:37
This verse has come to mind or been mentioned several times in the past couple of weeks including this morning's message. Of course the people of Jerusalem are not the only ones unwilling to be gathered into the arms of Jesus. It wouldn't have mattered if God had called the country of China, the citizens of Italy, or the people of North America, the rejection would have been, and still is, the same. Although He has given His all for His creation, we are all too often resistant to His calling. Today I pray for a willing heart and an obedient spirit that when He calls I will not only hear but heed His voice.
Martha, Of course what you say is true. All the nations of the earth are guilty of rejecting Christ. Ancient Isreal however, holds more guilt because they were God's nation. He had chosen them, guided them, protected them. He had a covenant with them and it was as though they were "his wife". Out of all the nations, Isreal had more responsibility to God because they had promised, pledged, their love and loyalty. God told them, "Obey me and live". They sinned against the Holy Spirit by scheming to kill his son. They saw God's Holy Spirit at work in Christ! Instead of recognizing him as God's son, they paid witnesses to lie against him! The nation that was looking for Christ to arrive rejected him because of their own political agenda. God will hold them responsible with the highest punishment, everlasting death. We are celebrating the Memorial of Christ's death on the 9th. There is so much to contemplate about his sacrifice. It wasn't just that he died, it was also the tortue he suffered! Modern day Isreal is just another nation to God. He "divorced" that nation after they killed his son so after that they were no longer a chosen nation to him. Many people today still think Isreal has a special relationship with God. The Bible doesn't support that. Thank you for the blog entry, Ann
ReplyDeleteI know there are those who believe God is finished with Israel as a nation and for centuries it appeared there would never again be a nation of Israel. It is a work of God that she exists today. Time will tell, but I have an idea He has a plan. (Jeremiah 31:35-37)
ReplyDeleteAmen Martha.
ReplyDelete