Keep Focused
Opening Prayer
Lord, I thank You for calling me to be Your beloved child and disciple. I want to please You, Father.
Read Luke 13:31-35
[31] At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” [32] He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ [33] In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day-for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! [34] “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. [35] Look, your house is left to 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.'” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why would Jesus not avoid Jerusalem?Imagine that you are God looking down from heaven on the place where you live. What do you think you would notice? What would catch your eye? Jesus is facing real danger and yet he turns to face it rather than running away. His assessment of Jerusalem is realistic but also filled with emotion. He does not pretend that Jerusalem has no problems; he acknowledges them; and he longs to demonstrate his care for those who live in the city. On another occasion when Jesus sees the crowds, he is filled with compassion for them (Matt. 9:36). Do we see the place where we live with the eyes of Jesus? We need to be realistic about its faults, but we also need to have the heart of God who wants the best for our city. God is indeed Lord of the whole universe and he cares for these people and places. We need to care as he does, with eyes and hearts of compassion and love.
Apply
Pray for those in authority in your own town or city—and as you do, ask for God’s heart of compassion for them.
Closing prayer
Lord, I often take my area for granted, but it’s the place You’ve given to me to live in. Help me to love and pray for it.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.