by Mark Weinrich

“…how often I longed to gather
your children together, as a hen
gathers her chicks under her wings,
and you were not willing.” Luke 13:34

When Jesus agonized over Jerusalem
were his arms and hands wide open
longing to show the compassion,
the mercy He felt in His heart.

When Jesus called them to gather
like a hen sheltering her chicks
was His heart breaking as they 
scattered in unwillingness?

When Jesus knew the same
people were planning His demise
were the words of forgiveness
already forming in His mind.

When Jesus spoke those awful words,
“you were not willing,” were they
the saddest of His ministry, that
not a single soul answered.

This helps me understand the view
in heaven when one sinner repents, 
and the angels gather rejoicing
as Jesus’ longing is fulfilled.

Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 138 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.