Reading: Luke 13:18-35

Listen to Jesus’ heart. Hear the love and sadness (so often they go together, you know):

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (34).

Reading that verse this morning stirs my heart.

That’s how I want to love my family. That’s how I want to pray for my family. That’s how I want to care for them and watch over them. That’s how I want to connect with them.

Oh, wow. How desperately I need the Lord’s help!

I am encouraged to remember that He has not turned away from this inept and imperfect husband and father. If I would (let Him), He will shelter me close as a hen does her chicks.

from Luke 13:24

A little bit more from Luke 13: Who Is Chosen?

Jesus healed a woman. It was the Sabbath.

The local religious leader was angry. He said people wanting healing should seek it on one of the other six days of the week.

Jesus reproved him:

“The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?” (Luke 13:15).

The leader was being terribly inconsistent, and Jesus pointed it out.

There are times our inconsistencies are that and no more.

And there are times when our inconsistencies are something far worse — hypocrisy.

When I judge my inconsistency harshly…if I see it mirrored in the life of another, I’m being a hypocrite. Just like that leader.

That’s too easy to do.

I’m glad to have read this passage this morning. I needed the reminder.

A little bit more from Luke 13: No Exceptions