37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. 38 Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! 39 For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
What a passionate expression of love and love spurned!
Jesus had just given a scathing rebuke to the Pharisees (The eight woes), but now He gives us an insight into the reason for His passion. It is His longing desire to have His creation be with Him.
Jesus’ passion comes from His Father’s love for His children. It is the deepest of passions. And here is has been spurned. Rejected by a stiff and stubborn proud heart.
Even pointing out the desolate nature of their predicament – the dead nature of life without God – seemingly does nothing to move their hearts.
This is an amazing insight into the emotions of God. He is driven by love and with that love comes the danger it won’t be returned.
We often withhold love, even when we want to show it, for fear of it being rejected and trampled on. That is the risk that comes with loving deeply, that you can be also hurt deeply as well.
Jesus shows us He knows what that feels like. And yet, He still loves us.
The takeaway from this is not just an insight into the longing passionate heart of God. It is the unshakeable fact that Jesus loves you. Even when you reject Him, He loves you. Even when you let Him down, He loves you. He won’t turn His back. He won’t ditch you and run. He won’t find it too painful to keep loving you.
Why don’t you open your heart – as hurt, as raw and as rough as it may be – to the love of God today?
PRAYER: Father, I am sorry to see your pain. I am sorry for spurning your love like these people. I am sorry for causing your heartache. Please forgive me. Please heal my heart to love you again with all my heart. I ask you to fill me now with your love. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
