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
The cities of our world are a cause for weeping. They teem with millions trapped in a wheel of work, striving, fear and dependence. They teem with millions more who have no work, no agenda, no hope, no help. Each side is estranged from and fearful of the other. Those who would bring reconciliation and healing have little chance to be heard by either. Jerusalem is supposed to be the dwelling place of God, but it becomes Golgatha, the place of the skull and crossbones.
Prayer
O God, forgive us when we cause you to weep over our hardheartedness. Through Christ, give us new and supple hearts. Amen.