“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, and you were not willing. Luke 13:34

HOW OFTEN HAS GOD LONGED TO PROVIDE FOR US—

AND WE WOULD NOT LET HIM.

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Family photos. Memories that become more precious over time. The father with his children, the grandkids with grandma, little brother and big sister together. Finally, the adult son with his mother, a special moment—until the grandson runs in front of the camera and mischievously smiles. Photobomb! The planned picture is totally changed. We laugh and retake the picture.

 But not everything can be so easily redone– without consequences.

Photobombers. Adam and Eve lost Eden. They would not refrain from eating of the Tree of Knowledge—wanting to know what God knew.  The rich young ruler lost the opportunity to follow Jesus and gain eternal life. He would not give up what he valued most—his possessions. The man with the talent buried it and simply returned what the Lord had given him– with no gain, no purpose, no added worth from his labor or investment. He lost the talent and eternity.

How many times have we been the one running in front of God to change the scene, the picture, the moment He had in mind for us? We take charge by our own free will, our own choice, which He has given to each of us. We decide we see a better option, a wiser decision, a better deal. But our choice versus God’s desire for us has no comparison, for “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). In whatever manner we attempt to change what God wants for us, through His purpose for our lives, we can never “outbest” Him. And we risk losing His precious gifts, that picture He wants to take–and give to us.

What we must do is follow and obey Him. Our love for God will lead us to the right path for our lives, to the right decisions, to eternity with Him.

“Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them.” (John 14:21)

 He will gather us together, “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,” and we will be His forever.

We must be willing.

 (Sharon G. Tate blog 04/28/19) teacherforjesus.com Meditations on God’s Word