Kingdom Manna

Crisis

Acts 14:22, “There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, ‘It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.’”

Sanctuary door stands open

ready to receive

hurting souls lost,

bewildered

needing peace.

Deep at the center,

place of glass

as when a pebble

dropped within

a pool stays still.

Surrounded by ripples

moving outward

smearing the image

clouding

His reflection.

Dimly seen. Together in the

quiet restoration

of calm the mirror is

restored.

Pure.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 68:35

Awesome is God in his sanctuary,

the God of Israel;

he gives power and strength to his people.

Blessed be God!

Kingdom Manna

Cost

Romans 12:1, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Sacrifice.

Set before a holy God to appease

Seeking counsel

Sacrament of gratitude

Sealed in covenant

Steeped in ritual

Sovereign boundaries.

Substitute.

Sanctified by Christ, Savior’s gift given

Sacred strength

Spirit purifies hearts

Sanctuary open

Submissive to God’s grace

Sabbath worship daily.

Set apart.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 4:5

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

KIngdom Manna

Yoke

Luke 8:1, “Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God.”

Solomon’s kingdom teemed with splendor. Riches from around the world. Wisdom envied. Robes draped in glory around the king’s shoulders. An epic age in Israel’s history. A signpost to the surrounding nations.

Sanctuary to which we are welcomed.

Heralds throughout the centuries proclaiming the good news.

God’s gates are open.

We can enter His courtyards.

But how will others know unless we share. And how will others come unless we pray. Oh Lord, forgive my silences. Sometimes I hug Your gift so tightly I forget to pass it along. Remind me to bring Your words into all the areas of my life that Your kingdom be seen and spoken and sketched in Your glory. By Your invitation. By Jesus’ proclamation.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 145:12

to make known to all people your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.

Tabernacle

Veil

Holy of Holies

protected behind

royal curtain

uncontaminated sanctuary

of yearly redemption

received sins offerings.

Rent from top to

bottom by Christ’s

own blood paid

once only—opening

redemption’s access to

purified worship.

With confidence

we come, follow

His truth

continual fellowship

door way to

reconciliation.

John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.”

Tabernacle

Sanctuary

When God entered the

earthly tabernacle,

mankind’s replica,

His glory overfilled

overwhelmed that

none could enter

not even Moses.

Word became flesh

dwelt among mankind

Jesus approachable

visible glory

filling lives

with eternity.

Watching always

in His sanctuary

true tabernacle

glory unhindered

overwhelming love

pours down

healing earthly cries.

Hebrews 8:2, “ a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent that the Lord, and not any other, has set up.”

Tabernacle

Altar of Incense

Able to understand each

fear—pain—hope

with experience.

Advocate of compassion

extending courage

with comprehension.

Always standing at altar

faithful mediator

with sanctuary.

Exodus 30:1, “an altar on which to offer incense, made of acacia wood.”