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O, That You Would Be Willing

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” – Matthew 23:37-39

Does God really want to save you?

When we reflect on our lives and consider God’s Law, we may find ourselves struggling with that question. Does God really want to save me? Maybe He’d rather just get rid of me.

This passage from Matthew reveals the answer to that question and shows the amazing compassion Christ has for us. Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem and be arrested, falsely accused, whipped, beaten, and killed. Even still He longs for the people to be saved! In the Gospel of John, we’re told Jesus weeps for the people.

Yes, God really wants to save you!

In 2 Peter, the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to write:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

As the Contemporary worship song puts it, “This is Amazing Grace!” God, knowing our rebellious hearts which are set against Him still wants to save us. He was still willing to die for us that we might live.

Yet, we, like those in Jerusalem, can resist. We can refuse to allow God to gather us up and give us life. O, that you would not resist. O, that you would receive His amazing grace.

It is because of His amazing grace that we are able to say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” We need not fear His return for He has redeemed us, washed us clean, and called us His own.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for saving me. I believe in You. Help me in my unbelief. Be with those who do not yet know You as their savior. Work faith in their hearts and may they not resist You that they may live.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt