Will You Be Gathered? By Major Frank Materu
----Main Bible Scripture
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" – Matthew 23:37 (KJV)
----Introduction
God is calling His people to respond to His invitation for protection, safety, and mercy in the midst of the storms that are rapidly approaching. In this message, we are asked the pivotal question: "Will you be gathered?" As the world faces increasing turmoil and storms—both literal and spiritual—God is extending His invitation to shelter under His wings. But just as Jesus lamented over Jerusalem's refusal to come under His protection, many today also refuse His offer of safety, choosing their own way instead.
----The Call for Protection
In the days of Jesus, He longed to gather the people of Jerusalem under His protection as a hen gathers her chicks when the storm is near. However, despite His desire to shield them, they refused. This image of a mother hen calling her chicks to safety is powerful: it shows how God desires to keep His people from destruction. Just as the hen knows the safety she provides for her chicks, so too does God know the safety He offers His people. The question remains: will we run to Him in obedience, or will we stay outside in the storm, relying on our own strength?
"How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37)
----The Dangers of Rebellion and Self-Reliance
The refusal to heed God’s call to shelter under His wings is an act of rebellion. People who choose to rely on their own wisdom and strength are deceiving themselves. The world is filled with distractions and false assurances, causing many to believe they can withstand the coming storms on their own. However, this is an illusion. Without the protection of God, people will be swept away by the forces of darkness. It is foolish to think that one can survive apart from God’s guidance, and it is even more foolish to reject His protection when He offers it freely.
"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:5)
----The Spirit’s Invitation to Safety
The Holy Spirit is constantly at work, calling people to heed God’s invitation and come under His shelter. Yet, many ignore this call, either because they are filled with pride or because they are too distracted by the world. The Spirit is here to guide believers into obedience, leading them away from the path of destruction and towards safety. But this requires humility and a willingness to listen. Those who are too proud to listen to the Spirit’s call will find themselves exposed to the storms of life, suffering the consequences of their disobedience.
"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." (John 16:8)
----The Warning of Imminent Storms
The storms of life, both spiritual and physical, are coming. God is calling His people to prepare for these storms by coming under His protection. The winds of adversity and chaos are growing stronger, and those who refuse to be gathered will face the full force of the storm. Just as the mother hen calls her chicks when danger approaches, God is calling His people today to run to Him for safety. The choice is clear: will we respond to God’s call and find shelter, or will we continue in rebellion and face destruction?
"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust." (Psalm 18:2)
----Summary
God is urgently calling His people to respond to His invitation for protection. As the storms of life grow closer, many will ignore the call, relying on their own strength and wisdom, but this will only lead to destruction. The example of the mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings is a powerful picture of God’s desire to protect His people. Those who listen to the Holy Spirit and come under His protection will be safe, but those who rebel will face the full brunt of the storm.
----Conclusion
Will you be gathered? This is the question that each believer must answer. The storms are coming, and the invitation to find shelter under God’s wings is being extended. The choice is ours: to humble ourselves, obey the call, and find safety, or to reject God’s protection and face the consequences of our rebellion. May we respond to His call and seek shelter in Him, for He is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
