Moment of Meditation: Gathered as Chicks (Matthew 23:37)

''"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing" (Matthew 23:37).''

Jerusalem was God's capital city. The place where He desired His name to dwell. Where Melchizedek, "the king of righteousness", served as king and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18). Where God has always sought to show forth His peace to the world.

But Jerusalem would not allow itself to dwell in peace. Especially not in God's peace. The prophets God sent to her were killed and stoned for proclaiming God's Word. God sent the prophets so that Jerusalem would have God's peace. But they wouldn't listen.

God sent the prophets to gather together the Israelites so that they might repent and experience God's forgiving peace. So also God sends pastors to His Church. Not as life coaches. Not as self-help gurus. God sends pastors to proclaim Jesus' message: "Repent and believe the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). Believing the Gospel is the salvation of your soul. Amending your life by the power of His grace is the Christian life.

God sends pastors to sinners so that they might be gathered together as His children. Don't be like Jerusalem. Hear God's voice and gather together under His wings for your soul's salvation. Amen.