Did you know that a mother hen has a built-in protective instinct when she feels her chicks are in danger? It’s quite interesting to watch. She clucks and fluffs her feathers as she calls her young ones to her side, then she spreads her wings over them and settles down, blocking them from harm with her body.
This morning I came across Jesus’ comments over Jerusalem. He used this analogy. For three years He had been preaching and teaching all throughout Judah. He had done miracles, loved the outcasts and done all that the Father had sent him to do. Now it was time for his final visit to Jerusalem. He knew this time He would encounter the wrath of the religious hierarchy – He knew His death was imminent.
“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. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate.” Matthew 23:37-38 NLT
Facing His impending death, His heart was for those who had not yet believed that He was the Son of God. He wanted to protect them, provide for them and be their path to reconciliation with the Father but His words are clear, “you wouldn’t let me”.
In Psalm 91, we have the same example of the Father’s love and protection for us.
“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:2-4 NLT
God never intended for us to face danger without His protection. He is here to shelter us; His promises are our armor and our protection.
There’s a chorus we used to sing years ago – it reminds me of these verses. “Draw Me Close to You” by Michael W. Smith.
“Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend
You are my desire
And no one else will do
‘Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find a way
Bring me back to you
You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near”
I think one of the biggest lies that the enemy tells is “You are on your own. You have no one to trust. It’s all up to you – sink or swim. God doesn’t want to be bothered with you”.
There is nothing further from the truth!
Our Father is here, drawing us close, scooting us under His wings. He is our safety and our protection.
Thank you, Father, for drawing me close to you!