UNDER THE WINGS

Scripture says that Jesus looked out over Jerusalem and weeping said, ‘How I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling” (Matthew 23:37). What a picture of compassion, love, caring, protection and security. What a Jesus! He still looks with the same eyes, the same heart and the same desire on all peoples and cries out, “How I want to gather you together and place you safely under my protection and care, under my wings of security.”

My mother-in-law, F.P., knew chickens. She was raised on an East Texas farm and knew the ways of chickens. Years ago she told me a story about them I have not forgotten. She said that mother hens will open their wings to receive and protect their chicks and with a slight cluck they all come running under her wings. She also said that these chicks would do this until they got large enough to actually lift the hen off the ground and move her around freely. They are so big they support the mother hen in the air while her wings are outstretched and covering them. It is at this point they will soon be weaned, but the idea is to see this scene of covering, protection and desire for safety in the hidden power and seclusion of the wings. The hen allows herself to be carried along in the act of serving her own. Jesus is referring to just such a hide-away and desire for all those who do not know Him. He says, “How I wanted to gather your children together, and cover them like a hen does her chicks.” He still does.

Jesus, hide me under your wings. May I always run to you.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” Jesus