URC Daily Devotion Monday 24 February 2025

St Luke 13: 31 – 35
 
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.”  Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”’
 
Reflection
 
The Pharisees warned Jesus.  We usually read of them opposing Him.  Was this like the situation is in so many parts of the world today where various political factions support each other to oppose the greater threat?  Herod was one of the hated, cruel Roman leaders and Jesus was a Jew, so it is not surprising that they would want to protect one of their own people from a foreign tyrant. 
 
Jesus reacted by calling Herod a fox.  Today we might think of a fox as being cunning and clever but in the days of Jesus a fox was also considered to be inept and insignificant.  Jesus was not afraid to speak against the unjust ruler.  Jesus was clear that He was going to continue His ministry of healing and casting out of demons.  Jesus knew that He would not die until He reached Jerusalem.  
 
Jerusalem was a city He knew well.  Jesus had visited the temple with His parents.  It was the centre of the Jewish faith.  As He talks, Jesus either quotes from scripture or alludes to passages of scripture, mainly the Psalms and Jeremiah.  It is good to have a knowledge of the bible as it gives us something to draw on when we need divine strength or solace.  
 
Jesus knew what would happen when He reached Jerusalem, but He was still willing to follow the will of His Father and go there, knowing that it would lead to His death and resurrection.  We can follow this example by being obedient to God even if it seems to be leading us in a way that might not be the most comfortable.
 
Prayer
 
Loving God we thank you that Jesus was willing to obey you.
We thank you that Jesus was able to use scripture to show how He was following your plans for Him.
Show us how we can immerse ourselves in scripture which we know is your true and everlasting word.
Teach us how to obey you even when we are afraid and want to choose an easier path
We bring our prayers in the name of Jesus, Amen