the 2nd sunday in lent
the PRAYER …
God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING …
[Jesus] said: “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” luke 13:31-35
the DEVOTION …
“If you see yourself as a little sinner, you’ll see Jesus as a little savior.” I stumbled over that quote, earlier this week. It’s one of the “pearls” Luther picked up along the way. The more we talk about us, the less we talk about Jesus! The more we say about Jesus, the less we say about us! It’s a basic truth for a gospel-rooted church. So, when we talk about anything – about anyone – we make sure it’s Christ! ALWAYS Christ and he crucified!
Anyway, in light of that quote, I realized what a little savior we make of Jesus when we read this verse about the “hen.” Our mind goes, immediately, to the willingness of the chicks and doesn’t give the hen a second thought! Moral of the story, “Let Jesus gather you!” But it’s all us; no Jesus! Little sin; little savior! Truth is, “chicks” – for whatever the reason – are never willing! Even when it’s in our best interest! So, Jesus, simply, shakes his head and sighs, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem … Church, church … If only …” But of course, we don’t … We won’t … We can’t … But that’s why Jesus comes! To do what we’re unwilling! Unable! To sacrifice! Suffer! Die! Love! So we can, finally, be born again!