In the verses above, we can hear Jesus’ lament concerning his beloved nation Israel, with the last words he spoke to them in a public setting. At the beginning of this chapter, he gives a sharp rebuke to the religious leaders, “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;” (Matthew 23:3-6).

One would wonder if Jesus has ever lamented about the decisions we have made and the wrongs we have done, longing to take us under his wings to protect us.

How many times have we let pride or haughtiness shift our attention to ourselves rather than Jesus? How often has he tried to get our attention, only to be ignored? How many angels has he sent to guide us only to have us push them away? How many times have we ignored the promptings of the Holy Spirit?

Many of us are guilty to some degree. But take heart, because Jesus offers us a way that leads to a right relationship with him. Even when we are not all about him, he is all about us. Let us welcome him into our lives and every situation today, by saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You in repentance for all the times I have failed You. Forgive me for ignoring all the signals You faithfully sent my way in an effort to take me under Your wings. I ask that You make me more sensitive to Your whispers, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and the angels whom You send to guide me along life’s journey. I humbly ask this of You, Lord, because under Your wings is where I long to consistently reside. I give You praise for caring for me in this way. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Think about the times that your Lord and Savior have longed to take you under his wings and protect you, only to find you unresponsive to his efforts. Repent before him today and make an effort to be more sensitive to him. Spend time with him through prayer, Bible study, church involvement, and any other way you sense him guiding you. He awaits your total surrender.