Shortly before the Lord Jesus was to be crucified, He uttered the words found in this verse. He had just very strongly berated the Pharisees and scribes of His day for their hypocrisy.
He accused them of many things – even of murdering the prophets whom He sent for their blessing and return to Him. Even after this chewing out, His love can especially be seen in the last part of the verse.
Christ said that He wanted to bring Israel to Himself – but they would not come. In another place He said that they (He and His disciples) piped unto the people of Israel, but they would not dance. Of course, this was figurative speech. In other words, He showed them He wanted to enjoy being with them, He wanted them to be happy, but their response was that they did not want anything to do with Him.
Here we see the free will of mankind. Christ wanted them to come, but they refused. They turned away from Him even though He only meant their good.
People do the same thing today. They really are no different. God has raised up preachers that faithfully proclaim His truth and message every Sunday, but many people would rather find something else to do than go to hear it.
At other times, people know that He is calling them to be saved – but they continue to ignore Him – the One Who gave His all for them. He wanted to give them eternal life, but they had no time for Him. He wanted to give them an abundant life now – but they were too busy.
Have you ever wondered how different things would have been if Israel responded to Christ the way God wanted them to? History would have been totally rewritten.
Do you realize that your life would be so much different too, if you respond to His call and start seriously listening to what He says? He could forgive and save you in an instant. He is still willing. Instead of delaying any further, why not call on Him today – right now and ask Him to do so and to help you to serve Him?
Christian, are you listening to Him? He loves you and has a better life for you. Turn to Him, and ask for His mercy and grace to serve Him today like you should. He is ever faithful and will not forsake His own.
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Photo Credit: Unchanged; by Ryk Neethling at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rykneethling/5811680700/sizes/s/
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Keywords: free choice, salvation, Christ, save, free will, eternal life, abundant life