“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you are not willing! Look, your house is left you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Luke 13:34-35
When characterizing God we typically recall the biblical illustrations of a warrior, lion, rock, or fortress. These denote God’s power and deliverance in our mind providing comfort in times of trial. In the Gospels Jesus illustrates the character of God, present and active through himself, as a mother hen watching over her chicks.
This statement comes on the heals of some good, Synagogue-going citizens of Jerusalem encouraging Jesus to get out of town before he is killed by Herod, the local political figurehead among the Jews. Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem has been causing civil unrest. Some believe Jesus is a religious zealot there to perform a political coup while others see him to be the true Messiah. Either way, Jesus could be seen as a threat to that “fox” Herod.
Living in rural West Texas we all understand some basics of agriculture. I am not wise in the ways of Ag by any means but I know who would win an encounter between a fox and a hen. As baby chicks, you and I are in a cosmic battle. Who are we most tempted to side with? Which is most natural? Herod, the fox, characterizes the way of the world – political power, money, and prestige. Jesus the mother hen characterizes the way of the Lord. She is not much to look at but willingly lays down her own life to protect her chicks from the wiles of the fox.
Everyday we are faced with near death moments and are tempted to ally ourselves with the fox. We willingly trade-in our salvation to the one who the world esteems to get us through the most recent crisis. Although the fox seems the right choice, the easy way, at the end of the day we realize the fox is out only for itself. On the other hand, the mother hen is always there, always watching, ready to swoop into danger, into trouble, ready to give her life for her baby chicks.
Living a life committed to the Way of Christ means we have a mother hen placing us under her wing. But this means we must trust in this kind of strength and protection. It also means that we must exemplify this same self-sacrificing mercy in our own lives. Trust in the Lord and strive to be like the Mother Hen as you care for others.
Jonathan Sullivan is the pastor at First Baptist Church, 1201 Western Circle Dr., in Dimmitt, Texas. Join us this Sunday as we welcome a guest choir and preaching from Happy Union Baptist Church.. Small groups start at 9:30, worship at 10:30, and lunch to follow. Come as you are and celebrate with us!