Matthew 23:37-39 New International Version
37 “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. 38 Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’
Don’t Shoot The Messenger
It is day 11of sacrifice and consecration. Our focus today is an introspective look on how we handle challenging news. Birds of a feather flock together. This adage speaks to how many of us choose our friends and influencers. Essentially we surround ourselves with people who think like us or who support our thoughts. As much as we might talk about growing and being better there is only so much we want to be challenged. I often say when teaching I’m not writing the news I’m just throwing the paper. There is something unsettling about hearing there is room for improvement, even when we know we need it. We often overlook or dismiss areas of our lives because we rationalize at least I’m not as bad as so and so. When the messenger comes to help us we look for flaws and failures, saying “Just who does she think she is. How is he going to tell me something when i already know the skeletons in his closet.
Our text today highlights Jesus speaking to Jerusalem about how they have handled challenging news bearers. Jesus says they kill the prophets and stone the very ones sent to help them. They have missed the message because they kill the messenger. They have lived in such a way that they cling to the familiar and resist the future. Jesus speaks of his intention to gather and protect and yet they reject this. They are not willing to listen because listening may mean change and they “Ain’t got time for that”. Our challenge is to hear with our spiritual hearts not just our ears. When we engage our spirits we are better able to know the love of YHWH through the debris of doubt and disillusionment. Today, listen not just to your supporters but also allow yourself to be stretched. Read a dissenting view, listen to an opposing podcast, and be ready to shout, “Blessed is the person who comes in the name of the LORD”. YHWH doesn’t always delight us on the path ro deliver us.
Points to Ponder: How are you growing? What tools can help you listen better? Think about your friends and how many are willing to challenge and confront you.
40 Days of Lenten Meditations 
Do not shoot the messenger reminds me of a power teacher my mouther shared with me growing up, she would say honey child, because I love you I am going to tell you the truth! Over my thirty years as a Pastor , there were many times ,I had to preach and teach hard and challengunging messeges, because I loved the people !!! Mama, also would say, my love is so strong ,it worth my speaking truth to power.
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