Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:37 KJV
“O Jerusalem…how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” — Matthew 23:37
Today’s Devotional Is Weighed in the Balances – Understanding God’s Judgments
In this passage, we see that Jesus was deeply grieved by the religious leaders’ refusal to turn to God. His ministry began with blessings, but it ended with warnings of judgment. It’s important to understand that God’s judgments are not arbitrary, but rather the natural consequences of our choices. If we choose to tamper with explosives, we can’t blame God for the consequences.
It’s important to note that God is both merciful and just. His judgments are not motivated by vindictiveness, but rather by a deep love for humanity. When we choose to rebel against Him, we experience the bitterness of disappointed love.
However, there is hope. In Matthew 23:39, Jesus speaks of the day when He will return to vindicate and save His people. He longs to gather us together like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings.
So let us not fear God’s judgments, but rather seek to understand them. Let us turn to Him with repentance and humility, knowing that He longs to gather us close to His heart. May we be purified by His love, rather than destroyed by our own choices.
Prayer For Today
Dear Lord, help us to understand Your judgments and to turn to You with repentance and humility. We know that You are both merciful and just, and that You long to gather us close to Your heart. May we be purified by Your love, and not destroyed by our own choices. Amen.