Kingdom Manna

Key

Mark 4:3, “Listen! A sower went out to sow.”

Our trail began at the ocean. We followed a narrow well-beaten, well-defined path overlooking sheer cliffs. Gradually the thin line curved inland toward a meadow where it became difficult to follow among the tall grass and bright flowers. We continued through a dark tunnel, next to a recently burned hillside and eventually came to a grove of trees next to a murmuring stream. The entire hike could be capsuled in picture post-cards. Feet weary we sat at the picnic tables to empty our back-packs and eat. Somehow the simple sandwiches felt like a banquet.

What a variety of terrain within a few miles radius! We could not count the assortment of foliage we passed. We started at one end of a path and followed, carrying our supplies with us. We went with an attitude of expectation and uncertainty.

Out to sow carrying the word of God, explained Jesus to His disciples. The path is where the word is heard. Sometimes clearly and well-defined, sometimes slightly hidden, but present, throughout the journey. Distance, direction, and diet all bound together.

Walk with me along the path, Lord, especially along the crumbling cliffs and dark caves. Keep me moving onward with Your word in my heart and in my hand.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 34:12, Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, lest it become a snare in your midst.

When we drive to the ocean, we have two choices. They begin at the same point and, for approximately two miles, they parallel each other separated by just a few blocks. Gradually each road begins to curve away and when we reach the ocean, they are separated by an hour’s distance. One beach is barren, rocky, narrow, bitterly cold on a windy day. The other is sandy, wide, sheltered by grass tufted dunes, warm crannies. At the beginning point there are no distinctive differences between the two routes.

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

Wrappings on boxes hide their contents. Worldly values often conceal themselves behind attractive packages, alluring advertisements. Shared goals, common concerns, mutual motives begin at a similar point but can curve in opposite directions. One is the path of the land; one is the path of God.

Warn me Lord, I pray, when I approach the snares. Keep me from barren destinations.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 124:7

Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;

The snare is broken and we have escaped.