The Psalmists of old “loved the imagery” of “being sheltered by God.”
Was there anything better than being in his sanctuary, spending time with him?
Was there a time when you were more at peace, more serene?
Enter into his holiness and be sheltered by him…for he cares for you.
I can give you “six quick examples” just from the Psalms…
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” (Ps. 17.8)
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Ps. 36.7)
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you, my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Ps 57.1)
“Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!” (Ps. 61.4)
“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” (Ps. 63.7)
“He will cover you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Ps. 91.4)
This was not just a “sentimental image,” for many it was a matter of faith, hope and trust.
Yahweh provides.
Yahweh protects…Yahweh makes safe.
This is what Jesus longed to do for Jerusalem.
It was a Presbyterian Pastor named James Boice, who first told the story of “a raging-roaring fire.”
This particular fire raged through some farm-land. It was unstoppable. Scores of people tried to save the farm and the animals.
Unfortunately, the fire was SO FIERCE that all the animals perished. Horses, cows, sheep and chickens all perished in the destructive blaze.
The heat was so intense that it took several days before the people could even go through the farm to look at and examine all the devastation.
The carcasses of burnt animals were everywhere to be seen. It was a devastating sight, alright…and a dreadful scene.
But then one of the people heard a noise. And then, they heard it again. Faint, but there.
Following the sound of the faint noise they came to a hen. Her body was charred beyond belief and her wings were spread out.
She of course, was dead – burned by the heat of the fire.
However, when her feathers were lifted up, the people were amazed to find a brood of live chicks under her wings! They were safe and secure. Their mother had given her life that they might have a chance to survive.
It has always been seen as an apt illustration of what Jesus wanted to do for his people.
His heart was set on going to Jerusalem. He face was set like flint.
Ah, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the center of culture, the center of everything Jewish. The home of Yahweh, blessed be he…
Jerusalem is so important for Luke. In the two books (Luke/Acts) the Holy City is mentioned 90 times, while in the entire Early Christian Writings it is only mentioned 49 times.
Jerusalem represents “Israel as a whole.” It is, indeed, the City Of God!
And Jesus longs to be there. To be present in that city…
Thus far, in Luke’s gospel – “Prophets are vulnerable in their own hometown; they are blessed even though they are persecuted…
The prophets are victims of the lawyers who build tombs for the prophets they kill….
And now, the death of prophets, with whom Jesus firmly identifies, is laid upon the doorstep of the Holy City itself.
There may be danger ahead, but it is the only way…
The Pharisees cannot deter him…King Herod cannot deter him. Jerusalem may kill the prophets and others that God has sent to them…but even the Holy City itself cannot deter him.
Ah, to be under the shelter of those wings! Ah, to be in the Holy City and Jesus journeyed on…
Amen.