Jesus is Essential
Luke 13:34–35: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
In this lament, Jesus was addressing the whole nation and not just the Pharisees who had tried to provoke Him. The people had been given many opportunities to repent and be saved, but they had refused to heed His call. “House” refers both to the “family” of Jacob (“the house of Israel”) and to the temple (“the house of God”), both of which would be “left desolate.” The city and temple were destroyed and the people were scattered. But there is a future for Israel. The time will come when their Messiah will return and be recognized and received by the people. 1
Walking with Jesus
The goal is to become a student of the Word. Not just to know the Word, but to know the One who is the Word. How diligent are you? Is your knowledge of the Word drawing you to Jesus? Have you become more obedient to keeping His Word?
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:39–40
The choice to be willing to follow Him is still a daily choice of your way or His will.
Praying
Lord, my heart wants to say to You with the fullness of appreciation: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
