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. Look, 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.”

This is a serious lament by Jesus for the city of Jerusalem. He mourns for them as one mourns for a lost or wayward child. They follow blind guides, who are hypocrites, scheming to do evil, disguised as good leaders.

He assesses their condition — a desolate house. A house without any possessions. A home that has nothing inside. It is all a facade. He loves them and wants them to stop playing these games.

And he points out that at their next encounter, they will treat him like a king and then crucify him. How they treated Jesus changed based on their selfish desires.

How have I treated Jesus lately? Have I treated him as my Lord and Savior? Or have I treated him as a genie in a bottle?

Do I want to feel good and in control and comfortable by obeying endless rules and comparing myself to others? Or do I want to know him as Lord and Savior?

He mourns for the intimacy with him that I could have, when I pull away.

Lord, I repent of trying to figure out all the ways you will bless me going forward. Sometimes, I think my plans are better than your plans. Or I focus on the challenge, only using my brain and not the resources of your Spirit, your church, and your Word. Humble me and correct my heart, I pray.