It is time once again for the Weekend Sermon. I am thankful to the Lord that He allows me to post the sermon each week. Thank you for taking the time to read the message.
The weather has been wild this week in my part of the world. We had high wind warnings for many hours. This is something that has never happened where I live. We sometimes have high wind warnings for a couple of hours, but this time the warning lasted for almost an entire day. We didn't have the major problems that some had this week. Some places had a blizzard, and now flooding is a concern for many. I am thankful to the Lord that my area wasn't too badly harmed. Please pray for those who are experiencing flooding and other difficulties as a result of this storm. They are really experiencing difficulties in Nebraska.
Please pray for those who live in New Zealand. I am deeply saddened by what has happened. Pray that those who are injured will soon recover.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Let us pray for peace in Syria, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan. Pray for peace wherever you know that there is conflict in the world.
Please continue to pray that the Ebola epidemic will end in Congo. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray for the safety of the medical workers who are trying to help.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those who live in Turkmenistan and Somalia. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
In today's message, I would like us to focus our attention on the words of Jesus found in Luke 13:34. This verses states, "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."
This verse has an application in the immediate context in which Jesus spoke the words, and they have an application for us today.
First of all, let's look at the application from the time when Jesus first spoke these words. Jesus had just been told that Herod was trying to find Him and kill Him. Jesus said that He was just going to go on and carry out His ministry. He would continue to heal people, help people and teach people. Jesus said that no prophet could die outside of Jerusalem, and that's where Jesus was heading to in the near future.
Jesus then said that Jerusalem was the place that had rejected those who where sent by God. Jesus said that He wanted to gather the people under His wings, but they were rejecting Him too.
Jesus came to this world and clearly demonstrated through His life and ministry that He was the Messiah prophesied of in the Old Testament. The religious leaders of Jesus' day rejected Him, and they wanted to see Him eliminated.
Jesus also predicted that if the people did not turn from their present course, the Temple and the city would be destroyed. Jesus offered the way of peace, non-violence and safety for the people, but they were not willing to listen to what He was trying to teach them.
Instead of listening to Jesus and accepting the protection and safety of His presence, they rejected Him. Jesus was crucified because of the way of love and peace that He taught. However, the message of Jesus was validated when He was raised from the dead three days later.
These words of Jesus also have application for us. First of all, Jesus offers His love and forgiveness to anyone who is willing to come to Him and accept Him as Lord. However, there are countless millions of people who have rejected the offer of love that Jesus extends. The Lord is not willing that any should perish. He wants all to come to repentance. Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
If people would accept the message of Jesus, they would know true peace in their hearts. They would experience forgiveness, and they would have contentment within their souls. Jesus is always waiting for people to come to Him.
One other application of this verse is for those of us who are already believers in Jesus. Jesus offers us rest and protection within Himself. He wants us to come to Him and feel safe within His presence.
A hen gathers up her chicks under her wings when she senses that there is danger. She provides shelter so that the chicks will be safe.
Jesus is the shelter in the time of storm in our lives. He is there for us when we are facing the problems of life. When we are beset with depression, anxiety, fear or loneliness Jesus is there wanting to provide His love and compassion if we will only come to Him and rest in His presence.
In my life, I've faced some difficult days. I've struggled with depression for many years now. I know that if I had not had a refuge in the love of Jesus, I would not be here today. Knowing that Jesus loves me and is with me gets me through the hard times. When I pray and meditate, I can feel the love of Jesus in my heart. It is a love that provides a peace that passes all understanding. It is a peace that goes to the core of my soul.
If you are facing a hard time in your life right now, go to Jesus. Seek comfort in His presence. Let Him fill you with peace. He wants to help you in all that you are going through in life. Don't reject the love and help of the Lord. Go to Him, and let Him help you through this life.
Next week, we will continue with our messages on the teachings of Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses for the week. I hope to have a review on Wednesday or Thursday. The sermon will be posted on Friday next week, as I am not at work that day. May God bless you all. Amen.
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