April 14

Weighed In The Balances

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! — Matt 23:37 BSB

Our Lord's ministry began with the "Blessed" statements of the Beatitudes, but it ended with a sevenfold pronouncement of woe upon the religious leaders of His time. These woes were not threats, but the inevitable consequence of their evil ways.

People often see the punishment of sin as a harsh or vindictive action by God. What they don’t understand is that, while human justice can sometimes seem arbitrary, God’s judgments are natural, arising from the moral order of the universe. The final judgment at the great White Throne will simply announce the penalty that sin has produced.

God is both merciful and just, but if someone tampers with danger, like explosives, He does not prevent the natural consequences of their actions. When Jesus spoke of the judgments in this chapter, there were no personal attacks in His words—only sorrow. His voice was filled with grief when He declared, "Your house is left unto you desolate," as the temple could no longer be called His Father's house.

We read of the "Wrath of the Lamb," but it is not a vindictive wrath—it is the sorrow of love that has been rejected. Even in this chapter, there is a glimmer of hope, as Jesus looks ahead to the day when He will be welcomed and embraced by His people (Matthew 23:39).

Prayer

O Lord, help us love You so deeply that You become a purifying fire in our lives, transforming us in love rather than consuming us in judgment. Amen.