Luke 13:31-35 (NRSV)
Read Luke 13:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." Verse 32He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Verse 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Verse 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Verse 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Devotion
We starve for a sense of safety in our alien and terror-filled world. If only we knew which fears to take most seriously. How do we protect our children, our family, our land, ourselves? Jesus reminds Jerusalem that he longs to protect them, like a brood hen shelters her young — under the safety of His holy wings! The hen protects her young by offering herself as barrier between the vulnerable offspring and danger. Her soft, feathery breast is their shield. That's what God wants to do for us, and he weeps when we are not willing.
Prayer
Heavenly Brood Hen, we hunger for your protection. Make us glad for the protection you provide through Christ our Lord. Amen.