Matthew 23:37 How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her broad under her wings, and you would not!

He would – but they wouldn’t. The mystery of God’s will and man’s un-will. Our stubborn resistance to a loving Christ.

My heart, though naturally resistant has been changed. I now say with rejoice – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, therefore, I will see Jesus, and be gathered under his wings.

Under his wings – Yes, Jesus, that is where I am, and want to live, always. I rejoice in you, Lord Jesus. I love you! AMEN

Matthew 23:25 First clean the inside of the cup and the plate that the outside also may be clean.

I am naturally externally oriented, along with all earthly proud and selfish beings. As long as I appear to be doing well, looking acceptable to those others around me, I feel pretty good about myself and my performance.

Yuck! Lord-overcome that shallowness, that facade, that thin veneer, and probe deep within. Give me pure cleansing, true character, the real person of Christ deep within. Jesus live through me from the inside out! AMEN