Gathered Close: A Hen and Her Chicks

August 18, 2026

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit, breathe on these Scriptures as they are read. Make familiar words fresh, and new words clear. Stir faith, awaken hope, and lead us into the truth that sets us free. Amen.

Scripture 

Matthew 23:37

37 .... how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 

Reflection 

The picture Jesus uses here is rather interesting. He doesn’t picture Himself as a warrior, or a ruler giving orders, or a judge handing down a verdict. He pictures a mother hen gathering her chicks and pulling them in close under her wings as descriptive of his ministry.

It really is a rather tender image. The chicks don’t have to figure everything out. They just come close.

Think about a mother hen for a moment.

When danger comes, she doesn't send her chicks away to figure things out on their own. She gathers them.

She spreads her wings and calls them close.

And when those little chicks get underneath her wings, they don't have to do anything. They just come close.

And that's the picture Jesus gives us.

Under His wings is a place of refuge.

Under His wings is a place of belonging.

Under His wings is a place of rest.

For just a moment, the chick stops running. It stops looking for somewhere else to go. It simply settles down beneath the one who is protecting it. Jesus says that’s what He wants for His followers.

Maybe that's what Jesus is inviting some of us to do, today.

Not try harder.  Just come closer.

Think about that for a moment. 

The God who created the galaxies wants you close.

Maybe today Jesus is simply saying, to you and me  “Come Closer.”

"Come Closer," Just as you are. 

"Come Closer," with your questions and fears and doubts.

"Come Closer," because His wings are already open.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for longing to gather me close. When I wander, when I worry, when I feel far away, draw me back under the shelter of Your presence. Let me rest where Your love covers me and Your nearness steadies me. Amen.

Application

Take five quiet minutes today. No requests. No agenda. No pressure.

Simply sit in His presence and pray: “Jesus, I’m here.”