What is love?

In review of Matthew 23:37-39 it says:

37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (NIV)

Jerusalem, was a major city, but I would imagine it can represent any city. There are those who reject, ridicule, speak poorly, ignore, and not believe. They can push others away or distract from those who offer the good news / message. Jesus warns of caution for those who push others away.

God loves us so much that he just wants to gather us away from this and shield / protect us

Without God, we will become abandoned and desolate; we live in emptiness. But we will see him if we call on and believe in him.

We, his people, are so important to Him. His love is so great that Jesus even grieves for us. Part of my role in this life is to help share / explain the good news message and to help make disciples who can make other disciples. Jesus cares about all people and wants to have a relationship with everyone. I can serve as an example of one who has pushed by the distractions of this world and found an everlasting life and eternity with the one who deeply loves me. I can share this with others and help communicate this message to others.

When Jesus saw Jerusalem, nearing the time of his crucifixion, he captures the core of God’s overall yearning for us: “How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” God defines love as a pursuing force that is not dependent upon the beloved’s inviting response. Love pursues and protects and nurtures even when it is demeaned and rejected.

This morning, I thank you God for providing your loving care for me.  You so desperately want to hold and embrace me. Thank you also for helping me see through the things of this world that would distract or keep me from a relationship with you.

Bottom Line:

God loves us and will pursue us, even when we don’t notice.

What this means to me:

I can know and enjoy the love he offers freely. I can become his messenger and ambassador here on earth to help others know and realize this love he has for us.