them, “Go and give that fox my answer: ‘I drive out demons, and I heal today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I finish my course!’ Nevertheless, I must go on my way today, and
tomorrow, and for a little longer; for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside
Jerusalem.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often
have I tried to bring together your children, as a bird gathers her young under her wings. But you
refused! From now on, you will be left, with your temple. And you will no longer see me until the
time when you will say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Reflect:
Jesus refuses to cow down to the threats from Herod, for he is totally centered on his Father
and the mission given to him. And he knows that no one can harm him until the “hour” comes.
Such confidence comes from an absolute and radical trust in his Father’s love and submission
to His will. Paul invites us to face the challenges and dangers around us by putting on God’s
armor: of truth, justice, zeal, faith, salvation, and the word of God. In other words, Paul’s
invitation is to “put on Christ” (Rom 13:14) and “have the mind of Christ” (Phil 2: 5) which ensures
that we live and respond to the challenges like he did. We can only receive such armor as God’s
Grace; we cannot manufacture it on our own. Hence, “pray at all times” to receive Christ’s Spirit.
It is in prayer that we grow into the image and likeness of Christ.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022