I read this line in an old children’s book called Little Chick Chick:
But the most important lesson of all was run-to-Mother-Hen-when-she-calls.
Run to Mother Hen when she calls. That’s an important lesson for us, isn’t it? When the mother hen calls, the chicks are to run toward her. Chicks don’t have to figure out why. They don’t have to fully comprehend the purpose in that moment. They know her voice, and that is reason enough.
It immediately made me think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:37:
How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
I have read those words many times, but this time I noticed something different.
The mothering part of Jesus’ heart wanted to gather them.
Not push them away. Or shame them.
Not leave them to figure things out on their own.
To Gather them.
There is something deeply tender about this picture of God. If we are more comfortable thinking about God as strong, powerful, sovereign, but not as warm, comforting, and protective, then we will miss the mothering aspects of God. Jesus reminds us of a God who calls His children close and longs to shelter them and nurture them beneath His wings.
The passage also says, “And you were not willing!” Why do we sometimes resist being gathered?
This world has taught us to survive on our own. Pain, shame, or guilt can make us think that needing God as a shelter is a sign of weakness. The chicks don’t need to run to the hen because they have failed. They run because they trust the one who has called.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalms 36:7
And where would be safer than refuge under the wings of the One who calls us?
Maybe today the lesson is as simple as the one I found in that old children’s book:
Run to Mother Hen when she calls.
Even if you’re tired, run.
Afraid, run.
Confused, run.
Carrying everything and everybody, run.
There is no shame in being gathered.
Love, peace, and comfort are found there. So is rest. All of this and more is under His wings, and He is calling for you.
*For those of you who prayer walk, listen for God’s call to gather you under His wing. For your copy of this week’s screensaver, click here. And to access all of my YouVersion Bible App devotional plans, click here.