Recognizing Gold: Lament Over Jerusalem
"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.” Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. (Luke 13:34, Php 3:19-20)
You are warmly welcome!
We are glad many new student leaders have been unveiled successfully – in the Students’ Fellowships and in the Guild more lately. Congratulations to those who have clinched these positions, and we pray for you to serve God’s people diligently. As students at many levels approach their exams, they need our prayers: some experience spiritual attacks in this season – they manifest as headache, fatigue, backache, eye problems, nightmares, and general unrest and anxiety. While medicine has its important role, it is possible to waste time and money in medical centers and hospitals on a condition that simply needs prayers. We need the wisdom to recognize where the solution is.
When the city of Jerusalem was very sick, it lacked that wisdom to recognize her source of healing; twice Evangelist Luke recorded Jesus’ lamentation over Jerusalem: ‘how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.’ (13:34); and during the Triumphal Entry, Jesus again cried out: ‘if you… had only known… what would bring you peace’ (19:42). One would expect a capital city to be home to the best school and university, the best student and professor, the best archives and library, yet the Lord was moved to tears and wept over the city’s perilous ignorance. It is such a damaging loss when someone throws away a stone not recognizing it was precious gold!
In his commentary, Adam Clarke suggests it is very likely that our Lord alludes to the meaning of the word Jerusalem, from yereh (he shall see), and shalom (peace or prosperity). However, the inhabitants of it had not seen this peace and salvation, because they had refused to open their eyes and behold this glorious light of heaven which shone among them. What would bring her peace and salvation? Only the obedience and righteousness, the blood, sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is as concerned about you as he was about that city; He desires that you do not miss the precious salvation he offers.
Paul warns the Philippians that as long as their minds are set on earthly things, it is possible to fail to recognize gold; but our citizenship is in heaven! In this Lent season, may the Lord give you grace to slow down, think and gain full value out of self-discipline, prayer and the Word of God; and to recognize and receive healing and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ who freely gives.
God bless you as you all.