StylisM

“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 would not!” (Luke 13:34, ESV)

Have you ever gotten an email or a letter from someone who poured their heart out to you? You could practically feel the emotion oozing from the words?

This verse is like that, offering an incredible glimpse of Jesus’ heart for His people and His desire to love and protect them.

But look at the last five words–”but you wouldn’t let me.” Five words filled with sadness.

You know, loving someone who doesn’t love you back can be so painful. Ever been there? Maybe you’ve loved someone romantically who didn’t share your feelings. Or you’ve loved a child who repeatedly turned his back on you.

Whatever the situation, love that’s not reciprocated is maybe the most difficult love of all. I suppose God could’ve programmed us to love each other and Him, perfectly and completely–but that’s not love; that’s automation.

No, God created us to love by choice. You can choose to love other people or you can choose not to. You can choose to love God…or not. There’s great joy in the first choice, but incredible pain in the second. But it’s pretty much all up to you.

So, Jesus will never force you to love Him. He’ll never pressure you into having a relationship with Him. But why wouldn’t you?

Look at the picture of His heart for you in the verse today! Yeah, He’s talking to Jerusalem specifically here, but the Bible makes it clear that Jesus’ love and compassion extends to everyone, regardless of race or religion (remember John 3:16, that “for God so loved the world” verse?).

Think about it: What’s keeping you from loving Jesus–and opening up to His love for you?

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Luke 10:21, ESV)  

Jesus talked in parables, dropping riddles and paradoxes all through His teaching: weakness is strength, service is greatness, the poor will inherit the kingdom, you must die to live, you must become like a child to understand great things. 

It’s no wonder that so many people were puzzled and confused by Jesus. He said things that were totally unexpected, even a little “out there.” 

But never without a reason. 

Here Jesus praises His Father God that the truth has been hidden from those who think they know so much, too smart to see the truth. It’s the humble, the willing, the open-hearted who are shown the truth. Those who come like a child, eager to see and learn everything.  

Why did Jesus hide the truth from some but made it plain to others?  Probably because He knows our hearts. He knows our tendency to take credit for what we know, to become proud and boastful. No, Jesus wants us to remember it’s all God’s work and not our own.  

In 1 Corinthians 1:18-29, the apostle Paul writes about the “foolish things” that God did or used, things that didn’t make sense by our standards, like sending His own Son to endure the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. It’s all Him, and nothing we did or could ever do for ourselves.

It pleased God to hide the truth from those who didn’t really want it, and instead reveal it to those seeking it, those who were willing and ready to hear and receive it. “Foolish” ones like you and me who come to Him with the simple trust and acceptance of a child.

John 21:15-23

Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep” (John 21:17, NLT).

“Do you love me?”

After the third time, it probably sounded like a nagging question. However, Jesus wasn’t asking merely to pump up His own ego; He was digging to find Simon Peter’s deepest convictions.

Love is a word we throw around very lightly these days. But it’s way more than hearts, chocolate and romantic movies. Real love involves commitment, sacrifice and loyalty. And Jesus wanted to know if Simon Peter was all talk or if he was ready to live out the love he’d professed.

Jesus deserved first place in Simon’s life and in his heart, so He continued to drive His point home by asking if Simon really loved Him. Simon, now Peter, wouldn’t be prepared to teach and care for other Christ followers (the sheep) if Jesus wasn’t his first and primary love.

So what about you? Do you love Jesus? Is it just in your head, or does it show in your life? Is He number one or does He get squeezed into the occasional short prayer?

Maybe Jesus is trying to get your attention because He desires your love, your loyalty, your commitment. Let love grow between you and Him. It’s the most amazing love there is.

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19, ESV)  

Ever heard the phrase “guilt by association?”

It means that even if you’re not doing something wrong or offensive or illegal, but you’re with someone who is, you could be considered “guilty” as well. 

Well, Jesus was not one to do anything wrong, but He did offend people…often. He spoke truth to people who didn’t want to hear it. He bucked religious traditions. He didn’t settle for the status quo; He challenged people to live according to a higher standard. 

And today, over 2,000 years after His death, Jesus’ words continue to make some people angry. He’s someone people argue over, grapple with, and question…a person some love and others hate. 

So, if you identify with Jesus and you’re one who loves Him, guess what? You’re “guilty by association.” In other words, being a Christian automatically makes you a target for those who hate, disagree with or don’t understand Jesus.

If people make fun of you for your faith, don’t be surprised. What you believe and what “the world” (people who don’t know Jesus) believes are different. If people give you a hard time for being a “Jesus freak” or reading your Bible or not doing some of the stuff your friends do, don’t freak out. Jesus said this would happen. 

Look at the verse above. Jesus basically said, “Don’t be surprised at how ‘the world’ treats you. People who don’t know Me will treat you like they treat Me–badly.”

So, when you feel persecuted, take heart. It means you have something in common with Jesus.

Fire once consumed me engulfed me in pain. The torment pushed me out in the cold, as I dropped to my knees and prayed for rain. The torrential storm concealed my tears. As the sun began to rise I stood up and faced my fears. I looked around and although I still was alone I looked up to the heavens and asked “give me the wisdom to be strong.” The clouds faded away but I still had pain. However, I had the power to start my journey again. Like a hurricane my mind was like the wind no direction no purpose but my eyes could see again. I then realized that life gives us what we need. Sometimes it’s our hearts that carry all the greed. As I walked down the path that I once peregrinated. I didn’t reflect back on the lifestyles I once segregated. Instead I looked ahead and envision the end of the road. This time it was clear there was truly no end to the future that remains untold. Down this path I know obstacles will lie, from burned trees of anguish to puddles of desire. I will stay on the path and no matter what and look to the skies for salvation, direction, and for the answers to my life. After the rain I still remained wet and heavy as the burdens still stay. But now I see my purpose and now I am safe. Fire will no longer consume me and separate me from my dreams. I will be more than I am by any means.