Kingdom Manna

Crisis

Acts 1:3, “After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

After Jesus received His baptism by John He went into the desert for a period of forty days. A time of preparation for His public ministry, a dramatic departure from small town carpentry. To focus on priorities, learn to withstand temptation, depend on God in different ways than ever before. To see and experience another facet of God’s presence in His life.

And after His resurrection Jesus again experienced a forty-day transition. For His disciples. A time of preparation for His glorious return to His Father. A time of preparation for His followers to acknowledge Him in the flesh and in the Spirit. To gain an unshakable confidence in His new status, a dramatic departure from earth to heaven.

At His Father’s right hand interceding for His disciples, for us. To prepare us to withstand temptation, to focus our priorities, to prepare for ministry. Depending on Jesus in ways we never anticipated. Yet grounded in His upholding power. Firmly planted in the knowledge of His love. Lord, help me to ‘see’ You everyday.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 63:2

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

beholding your power and glory.

Kingdom Manna

Hour

Matthew 25:1, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.”

Procession of light and laughter waiting to lead the bridegroom to his bride. A special task. The bridesmaids either had to time their welcome to the burn of their torches or bring extra oil should he be delayed. They could only bring enough extra for each torch. To share meant the torches wouldn't last the return trip and the groom would greet his wife in a diminished ceremony. And the bridesmaids, not alert, not ready, would miss the feast, closed off from the celebration.

Missed sharing. Missed joy. Missed faith. For lack of oil. For lack of preparation.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Prepared for us. Ahead of our time, above our understanding. A light that cannot be extinguished, a lamp that burns continuously. And ceaseless oil.

Manifest Your kingdom to me, Lord, I pray. Keep me attune to Your world and Your ways so that I don’t grow weary and dull and forget to prepare for Your coming.

Bringing a heart of joy and gratitude to meet You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 132:17

There I will cause a horn to sprout up for David;

I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.