Kingdom Manna

Hour

Matthew 4:17, From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

“Detour Ahead.” The sign looms large interrupting our journey home. We groan and join in the snail-paced line curving away from the main route. No explanations. No idea for how long. And, as we crane our necks, no indication that anything is amiss.

Secure in our plans, succinct in our purposes we forge through our days and months. Alternately content or stoic we drive steadily, unless we hit a bump or experience a flat—or are told to repent.

Doesn’t that sound a little strange? Or Harsh? Repent! Repent from what? We simply live our lives as best we can, as good citizens and caring families.

“Storm eroded highway,” we discover later. The familiar stretch of roadway hid a loosened sinkhole. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that lead to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that lead to life, and there are few who find it.”

Dissolve my reluctance to repent, Lord. Direct me to watch Your warnings. To turn away from my ways to travel my roads and instead to follow Your path.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 85:8

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people,

to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 17:1, Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin according to the command of the Lord,…

A journey in stages with time set aside to adapt to the new terrain, to explore the sights and sounds of plants and animals, to investigate the local history. To drink in atmosphere. Sounds like a great vacation. Opportunities to assimilate new freedom, new relationships with God.

Anticipation draws us forward though. We become anxious to reach our destination, begin our new life. Delays, slow meanderings, meadow stops can also serve as irritants.

Spiritual growth develops in stages. Except we desire instant maturity in ourselves and in others. On our life journey we luxuriate in sun warmed sandy beaches and grouse under pounding rain.

God brought Israel forward in stages. He brings us forward as we are able, step by step by step.

Lord, may I see all my days: sunny or dreary, fast-paced or snail driven, joyous praise or sorrowful petition, as all a part of Your plan for me to reach maturity, to reach my destination in You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 16:11

Thou wilt make known to me the path of life;

In Thy presence is fulness of joy;

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 13:7, Now it came about when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt.”

Our family once had a dark blue station wagon that was prone to overheating. This condition was not caused by length of trip, elevation, windy roads, or even warm weather. It just happened, and we simply never knew if we would reach our destinations on time, or if we would find ourselves on a roadside, waiting for the steam shooting from under the hood to subside from its billowy tantrum. Often we were pressed to pass the time creatively.

Waiting is frustrating. Detours are aggravating. We are set to go from point A to point B in minimum time. Why delay? Waiting seems such a waste, so purposeless.

Israel had a direct, clear route to Canaan, the Promised Land. A flush of freedom, of escape, propelled them forward. Anticipation tasted sweet. And God led them by a side passage, a longer less satisfying route: to protect them, to preserve them, to prepare them throughout the journey.

“A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.”

God knew a people fresh from slavery could handle only certain circumstances. They would require strength before facing war and dangers. The simple route hid deadly snares.

Thank you Lord for setting me on the roadside to sit a spell until it’s safe to travel again. Help me remember that when You direct the detour, or the delay, You are protecting me.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 103: 14

For He Himself knows our frame;

he is mindful that we are but dust.