Kingdom Manna

Treasures

Luke 17:20, Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed;”

“Sunshine expected early this afternoon. Warm weather inland.” In other words, bring an umbrella, we mock at the announcer. Despite scrupulous efforts to determine weather patterns, everyone has experienced so many opposite predictions that we often listen with a jaded ear.

Unless we are tracking with the scientists the paths of possible hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves or floods. Then we are relieved when the expected onslaughts dissipate. We listen with a joyous heart.

Stargazers study the heavens for comets, for nebulae, for galaxies. Seasons dictate seed plants and harvests worldwide. Seamen navigate by stars when modern technology fails. “And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years,..”.

Observable things given by God as gifts, bringing varying degrees of order to our lives, offering stability in repetition.

Unlike God’s kingdom. Coming unexpected, coming in clouds, coming like a thief in the night.

So we’ll stay alert, watchful, Lord? Ready to receive changes with courage. Ready to hear Your whisper in the midst of storms. Stretch my heart beyond observation, beyond expectations, beyond stability. Stretch my heart to watch for You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 34:15

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him, and be radiant; so your

faces shall never be ashamed.