Matthew 23:37  “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.” (NLT)

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Around a year ago, I noticed a dove sitting in the hollow atop one of the corner posts of our pergola. She had built her nest there. In time, she laid her eggs and sat patiently. Soon enough, two young chicks emerged. She fed them and cared for them as you would expect. 

One day, we had a rather vicious hailstorm. She covered her little ones with her wings as the most destructive hailstorm we experienced in our seventeen years in that house pounded the roof and everything else. Thankfully, mother and children survived. 

When the little doves are ready to leave the nest, they spend their first two days on the ground before flying away. The mother bird sat on our fence and kept watch. I might have provided them a wee bit of shelter from predators, and our pups, by raising the cover of our patio furniture for the little ones to hide under. 

At the end of two days, both birds spread their wings and flew to the nearest tree, first one, then the other. Mom lingered for some time before she also made her way along the next part of her journey.

Jesus said he longs to gather and protect people like you and me. Tragically, many people prefer to face life and danger alone than receive protection and help from anyone or anything, including Jesus. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, as the old hymn says, we have already come. The second half of the third verse of Amazing Grace declares,

‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

Jesus guides, provides, and protects all who allow him to do so. Jesus would love to add you to his brood, cover you with his wings, and lead you into the freedom of the skies above. His invitation to life is open now. How will you respond?

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I will receive the provision and protection of Jesus with gratitude and joy.

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Our Father, thank you for drawing me into your protective care. Thank you for providing me with all I need and so much more. Make me a messenger of your amazing grace. Amen.