"How Often..."

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! - Matthew 23:37

    The words of our Lord to Jerusalem not only condemn those who show despite to Him, but they also reveal his willingness to save. These words leave men without excuse. How often have many turned a deaf ear to the Gospel, the very Word of God? How often have many who profess to know and love him excused themselves from attending the Gospel for some petty, selfish, carnal motive? Many delude themselves into believing that all is well, even though there is no heart love for Christ, his Gospel or the brethren.

    Israel believed in God, participated in the ceremony of worship, yet had no affection for the Lord Jesus Christ or those that loved Him. How often our Lord preached to the multitude (Jews included), yet they would not. How often is the Gospel preached in this place, yet many will not! When the Gospel is declared and men choose not to hear (for whatever reason if not providential), they are left without excuse before God. The very presence of the Gospel in a community reveals Christ's willingness to save. The presence of a Gospel church in our community is a work of God and it is our responsibility as believers to be faithful to his work and an example to those who dwell with us.