Kingdom Manna

Found

Luke 9:11, “When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured.”

He welcomed them. All of them. The curious, the hungry, the smug, the infiltrators, the sly. Welcomed them with words. True words. Not platitudes or clichés or empty pledges.

Healing words. Hope filled words.

Not flung at them as a bone to a starving dog. Not in superficial tolerance for the sake of His reputation. Not as a publicity ruse.

New words. Necessary words.

Giving of His time and His care. Glad for the opportunity to share His kingdom. As a gracious host ministers to his guest’s needs; so did Jesus respond to each individual.

Grace words.

One who listens. One who cares. One who searches and soothes and saves. One who stays. Now and forevermore.

Oath words.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 107:20

he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.

Kingdom Manna

Hour

Matthew 8:11, I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,

Strangers were not unknown or unwelcome in Israel. Hospitality was universal in the middle east. Caution was not ignored. Often travelers arrived with letters of introduction from previous hosts verifying their guests. When Abraham opened his door to strangers, he made angels welcome.

But this comment is a concern to the listeners. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob held the promises of God to His people. To Israel. Promises of land, inheritance, Messiah. A past and a future concentrated in God’s blessings.

Security shaken. Who are the others? If remnants of the lost tribes-joy! If foreigners, unbelievers-dismay. How could the blessings be so tarnished? What right did these others have to God’s table?

By invitation.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints, and also members of the household of God,…” Welcomed.

By grace. By faith. Each of us included. Lord, let me never forget that once I stood as an alien, a foreigner at Your door. And may I extend a warm hand of reconciliation to each stranger that tentatively comes to Your house.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 23:5

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.