O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
“I would; ye wouldn’t“
The setting is toward the Jews, represented by their chief city, Jerusalem. The history of the people of God is replete with accounts of God wooing them to Himself. Consider Jeremiah, begging them to repent and surrender to Nebuchadnezzar. Prophets repeatedly called on them[1] to put away idols and trust Him. They killed those prophets too often.
I notice a contrast between God and the people of Jerusalem that indicates a truth concerning our God.
God would have gathered them
He wanted to do it. It was His desire. It was His longing.
They would not be gathered
Though He behaved like a hen gathering her chicks and as a shepherd gathering His flock, they instead scattered.
God was perfectly capable of gathering them against their will. There are plenty of Biblical instances where this is demonstrated. But while God is able, He would not do it against their will.
A fleeing chick is free to flee.
Even so, God would save any and every soul. He would have all to come to repentance. He is not willing that any should perish. But He only gathers to Himself those who come of their own free will.
The Calvinists hate this doctrine.
He believes it diminishes the sovereign power of God.
The religionists reject this doctrine.
He is anxious to force his perception of godliness upon people.
In truth, this is the only doctrine that may glorify God.
He is capable but gracious. He is a Lord and a Father to those who come to Him. He is no despot or dictator. All who call upon and come to Him are immediately and unconditionally received. All who choose to flee His care are freely allowed to do so.
And even those, should they in the future repent, are free to come under His saving wing.
[1] Through their kings.
To my readers:
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