“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Luke 13:34
Jesus had been told by some of the Pharisees to leave Jerusalem, they did want any part of Him. He, then, wept for the city, longing to gather them up and care for them. Even though they did not want Him there, Jesus continued His mission, knowing they would crucify Him.
When people are treated badly by someone or a group, they usually will leave that person and move on to someone else. People know when they are not welcome and do not want to stick around. Very few people are willing to be hated and hurt by someone else continually.
Looking at things as the world does, it makes sense to move on, to forget the person or people you are trying to reach.
This type of attitude is also common among Christians. A believer is treated badly by someone and so they leave that person on his own. They no longer reach out to that person because of the pain being inflicted.
Jesus went to Jerusalem, knowing that they hated Him as a whole. He also knew that they would kill Him the next time He went into Jerusalem. Yet, His hearts desire was to take all of the people of the city under His arm and show them love and care.
His love was greater for them, than their hate was for Him. Jesus knew that He had something that was worth everything to give them. He wanted to give them life, abundant life, despite their not wanting it. Since they did not want what He had for them, Jesus wept over them. He shared His heart’s desire to be with them.
There may be someone or a group of people who treat you badly. Although it is easy to just walk away, it may be that God wants you to continue to reach out to them with His love and compassion.
God wants everyone to know the gospel message and be saved. You may be the only one to reach out to that person. Weep before God for their lost souls and continue to reach out to them. Do not give up on them right away.
I pray today that God will open your eyes to the lost around you; that you will have God’s compassion for the lost; that you will not fear persecution, but trust in God; and that you spread the gospel message to all you meet.
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