Monday, March 13, 2023

I t’s not uncommon for Filipinos to raise chickens in their backyards. As a kid, we had a few chickens freely roaming, feeding on the grass and grain we gave them. A mother hen can quickly call her brood to her when she senses danger, or when heavy rains begin to pour — I’ve seen it! So, the picture conveyed by this verse is familiar to me. Jesus gave a vivid and very touching metaphor of a hen that gathers her chicks in describing His love for His people. We can sense the deep agony in Jesus’ words as He described their unwillingness to come to Him. The people had turned away from the very source of goodness, life, and blessings they so much needed. He wanted them to come to Him so they might have true abundance and the peace they longed for. Yet, even when God’s people choose to be unfaithful, God remains faithful and never gives up on us. The faithfulness and compassion of Jesus leads all people, from all walks of life and cultures, to come to Him in trust and surrender. As chicks willingly come to their mother for protection, we, too, can only find true security and peace in Jesus alone.

The Haggai Leader Experience has propelled me to continue in the ministry I have been given in our local church. I have also used my profession as a way to understand different people of various backgrounds, seeking to understand where they are coming from and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me in how I can share the Good News.