Lent 9. Jesus: Protector

He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
Paul wrote: The Lord is faithful;
he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
My mom and her great-granddaughter
Jesus wanted to shelter a rebellious Israel under his protection, as a hen protects her chicks. He laments their unwillingness to be safe in his care: "... How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." Matthew 23:37)
Self-Assessment: Are you willing to come under God's protections? What if it means acknowledging your failures and sins and asking his forgiveness? Are you still willing if it means accepting that you're not in control?
Or are you more interested in maintaining the illusion of "all is well!" with a mask of pride and self-sufficiency?
How would the protection of God change your life?

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