Romans 8:31-39; Psalm 109; Luke 13: 31-35
“If God is for us, who can be against?” God has given us the ultimate expression of God’s own self, Jesus. Paul then asks, If God has given us such a gift, how can God fail to lavish on us all that God is? Nothing can separate us from such a deep and penetrating love, “nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Not even sin—unless we choose it. Perhaps some do refuse such a lavishing. Jesus weeps in disappointment over Jerusalem. Perhaps he was praying psalm 109: “I am poor and needy and my heart is pierced within me.” How he wants to gather Jerusalem to his heart like a mother hen, “and you were not willing.”
What is piercing your heart today? Does the pain bring you closer or distance you more from God? What blocks have you set up so that God’s lavishing all that God is cannot get through? Do you want to be gathered to Jesus’ heart? Tell him of your fears, temptations, idols—and especially your desires.
Jesus, you cry “Jerusalem, Jerusalem!” We join you and cry, “Sudan, Congo, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia” Pierce our hearts with love for your people, Jesus!