Television has gotten one thing right; they have shown us some unexplained miracles involving the wonderful world of the animal kingdom. Nature is simply utterly amazing. When hunting food, defending their territory, or faced with danger, most animals show ferocity unequaled with determination and persistence. With claws, teeth, antlers, and other mechanisms, they challenge anything that invades “their” space, no matter the size or difference. Combat can be fierce.
We’ve seen the savage side, but we’ve also been exposed to the tender side. Whether it’s an elephant or a mouse, the level of tenderness shown by most animals towards their young is beyond incredible. From lions, to horses, to monkeys, they all share many similarities from big carnivores to baby chicks, parenting instincts are strong and run deep. Maybe the most protective in the animal kingdom, is the species least watched, a mother hen and her chicks. Jesus understood this relationship, and tried to paint us a brief picture of a chicks love for her young.
Days before Jesus was crucified he talked about the city of Jerusalem and how the people who lived there would suffer in the ‘last days’. He told the Jews that many troubles would come their way. As Messiah and Savior, He wanted them to trust him and listen to him. Corporately, they refused his care and warnings. That didn’t stop him from telling them how he felt about them and the troubles they would face.
“O 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, but you were not willing.”
Matthew 23:37.
Here we see the depth of Jesus’ feelings for lost people and for his beloved city, which would soon be destroyed. Jesus wanted to gather his people together as a hen protects her chicks, but they wouldn’t let him. Jesus also wants to protect us if we will just let him. Who knows our needs better than our creator? Those who turn to Christ will find that He helps and comforts us like no one else can.
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