Kingdom Manna

Crisis

Matthew 5:19, “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

There are consequences to our choices. We know this. We live with the results daily, especially the painful ones. Even when the actual effects of our poor choices are finished; our memories serve as a continual reminder. But we also know our Lord is waiting to ease and strengthen and encourage our healing processes. That He stands by us with His love and mercy.

So much so that sometimes we forget we have accountability too. Christ carries us through our trials and mistakes and sins with His comfort “so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.”

Too often I am blind to the pain of others. I am so relieved to be rid of my burden, anxious to move forward, that I resist any pull on my emotions, anything that could open aching doorways. But God’s commandment stands, “love one another, just as I have loved you.”

Spreading Your love undergirds Your kingdom. Sharing Your mercy strengthens Your hope. Speaking Your words invites Your salvation. Everytime.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 67:2

“That your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 5:22-23, Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why hast Thou brought harm to this people? Why didst Thou ever send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy name, he hast done harm to this people;”

Moses obeyed. Moses stepped out in faith. Moses stood before Pharaoh. His activities brought severe consequences, not to himself, but to his people-Israel. Things became worse, not better.

Before, when Moses murdered, he ran. He bore the results of his deeds. Now Moses must watch Israel suffer. Was he tempted to flee into the desert again? Except it was there God commissioned him.

Moses returned to the Lord. With his grief, with his questions, with his doubts. He brought his failure to God. Moses didn’t understand, but he knew God alone could explain this defeat.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

We shrink from this statement. The mental image of Jesus standing sword in hand seems remote from nail-scarred hands reaching out in love.

Many of Jesus’ parables speak of soil. Furrowed-seeded-watered. Before the planting is upheaval. Before the harvest is manure.

I am so easily persuaded to quit Lord. I see the obstacles or the distress and I retreat. Help me bring the pain and the conflicts to You. Make me willing to accept the plough as ‘Grace filled’ as I enjoy the fruit.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 80:9

Thou didst clear the ground before it,

And it took deep root and filled the land.