Under His Wings

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He lamented: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:34, NIV). This tender imagery reveals His deep compassion, portraying Himself as a mother hen yearning to protect her vulnerable chicks.

This maternal depiction of God isn’t isolated. In Isaiah 49:15, God compares His love to that of a mother: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Such passages underscore the nurturing aspect of divine love.

A poignant illustration of sacrificial love is recounted from Yellowstone National Park. After a devastating fire, a ranger discovered a charred bird at the base of a tree. Upon nudging it, three live chicks scurried out from beneath her wings. The mother had shielded her offspring from the flames, sacrificing herself so they might live. 

This mirrors Christ’s sacrifice. He bore the weight of sin and death, offering us refuge under His wings. As Psalm 91:4 declares, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.”

Mystics like Julian of Norwich embraced this maternal view of Christ. She wrote, “Our Savior is our true Mother in whom we are endlessly born and out of whom we shall never come.”  Similarly, Catherine of Siena observed, “It is only through shadows that one comes to know the light.”  Lent, with its introspection and repentance, leads us through shadows toward the light of resurrection.

Yet, Jesus mourned, “…and you were not willing.” His arms remain open, but He respects our freedom to choose. This Lenten season, may we willingly seek shelter under His wings, embracing the refuge and salvation He offers.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, gather me under Your wings. In my wandering, draw me close. In my fear, be my refuge. Teach me to trust Your sacrificial love and find rest in Your embrace. Amen.