Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
James 4:2 “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”
In the above two verses, there are two thoughts that I want to focus on for today.
The first verse reveals how much Jesus wanted to bless the nation of Israel. He wanted to show them love and blessing, but they would not respond as God desired. Even though Jesus did many miracles in their midst, the leaders of the nation would not receive Him. He constantly showed love to those that did respond.
Even more important is what He could have done for them if they had received Him. He would have set up the Kingdom for them, but “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11).
As I was thinking about this, the thought occurred to me that many believers act the same way. Many call themselves the people of God, but they do not honor Him nor serve Him according to the Bible. Praise God for those that are actively serving Him!
God requires obedience and more than just lip service. In the first verse above, Jesus made this statement while overlooking Jerusalem. His heart was broken as He thought about all the good things He wanted to do for His people – but they “would not” come to Him – therefore, “ye have not.”
How often God wants to bless His people today – but cannot! Those washed in His blood are now the “sons of God,” but they “have not” many of His blessings (like the prodigal son) because they are not where they are supposed to be.
He wanted to give them comfort, but they sought it in material things. He wanted to give them joy, but they tried to make themselves happy without Him. He wanted to put them into a loving family (the church), but they stayed away. He wanted to meet their needs, but they just worked harder and ignored church and seeking “first the kingdom of God” – and He would have given them all they needed! They said they wanted revival, but could find no time to pray. No wonder so many professing believers “have not” His blessings!
Christian friend, where are you today? Are you one of those that “have not” because you have wandered from where God wants you to be? Are you tired of having less than what God wants to give you? If so, why not take time out right now and talk to God and make things right? He will listen (I Jn. 1:9).
Others reading this may not yet be saved. Could it be that He holds out the gift of salvation to you in vain? He paid a great price to give it to you. Don’t let it be said of you that you “have not” because you “would not!” Get saved today and do not put it off any longer.