Welcome to “Come Unto Me” as we journey together through the gospel of Luke. Let us pray: Gracious God we thank you for the Living Word that gives witness to the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. May your Holy Spirit open our souls to this Living Word. Amen
Wednesday, August 5 / Luke Chapter 13
“How often I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34) Throughout the gospel of Luke we catch a glimpse of what is on the heart of Jesus and chapter 13 does not disappoint us.
· ”Unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” (Luke 13:3, 5)
· “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it.” (Luke 13:8)
· “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” (Luke 13:12)
· “What is the kingdom of God like? …a mustard seed…yeast…”( Luke 13:18-21)
· “Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29)
But then comes the statement that truly shows us the heart of Jesus – “I must be on my way to Jerusalem.” (Luke 13:33b) We all know what took place in Jerusalem. We all know that Jesus came to die on a cross. Daniel Erlander in his book “Baptized, We Live” wrote – “The cross is God’s embrace. God enters our darkness and embraces us with total and unconditional acceptance. Identifying completely with the pain and sorrow of our existence, God woos us into a love relationship with himself.” Total and unconditional acceptance. Wow! That’s what Jesus wanted the people we read about in chapter 13 to see and that is what I hope you see as well. This is at the very center of Jesus’ ministry. The cross is God’s victory for you and me. “God enters our darkness and exposes and defeats the powers that reign in this world. By the death of Jesus, God liberates us from any person, thing, system or “ism” which would enslave us by demanding absolute loyalty. We are free! Free to let God be God.” (Baptized, We Live page 5)
Even during this time of COVID-19 we hear the loving desire of Jesus to gather us together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will open your heart to God’s loving protective embrace in Jesus Christ!
Let us pray: “Merciful God, your Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to himself. Grant that we who have been born out of his wounded side may at all times find mercy in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen” (ELW Good Friday Prayer)
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