Kingdom Manna

Grace

Matthew 21: 31, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.”

Compliance with the law is expected from all citizens. Prompt adherence to command is expected within all protection services: police, fire, military, medical. Parents consistently expect obedience from children. These boundaries protect us from anarchy, confusion, and chaos.

Submission.

Control is preferable.We choose when. We decide what. We create our plans.

Substitution.

Confident in status, confident in prestige, incredulous priests heard Jesus say tax collectors and prostitutes had priority. Those with no credits. Those with no credentials. Except one. Belief. “This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

Simplicity.

Cast my will into Yours, Lord. Crush any part that desires an alternative of no substance. Help me to choose Your way.

Sacrifice.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 116:17

I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Luke 18:14, “I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Over and over again the people questioned John the Baptist. “Are you the One?” Their numbers grew—disciples followed—religious leaders came. A heady experience. An explosion of mission. An opportunity for status.

“There is One to come greater,” John replied. “Whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”

Offering proof of merit, however, the Pharisee prayed a litany of “at least I am not…”. As a precaution against what he was? As a protection of his position? Pompous. Prideful. So bound by his own righteousness. So dishonest even in prayer.

The tax collector would not even lift his eyes. Could not face his God. Could plead only for mercy.

Over and over again I attempt to justify my errors by listing my successes. Or to bolster my failures with smugness at another’s faults. And am glad at least I am not a Pharisee.

Teach me Lord, true humility. The kind that does not recognize itself because there are eyes for no one else except You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:15

I will meditate on your precepts,

and fix my eyes on your ways.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Matthew 18:23, “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.”

Closed doors. Endings. Completed work. Often we need to finalize projects before we begin anew. Consider our accomplishments, resources, status before the next commitment.

Taxes each year. Spring housecleaning. Job reviews. Monthly bills. Oil changes. All maintenance designed to keep our many responsibilities on track. Helpful inventories to give our juggled schedules checks and balances. We settle our accounts.

Communion. Our spiritual check. Where we have the opportunity to search our hearts and be searched. To root out the bias that is growing. To re-evaluate our choices. To re-establish our priorities.

Together we stand before our King. Yet one by one He evaluates our circumstances. Am I pleading for mercy but holding a hardened heart? Am I seeking forgiveness while harboring bitterness or envy? Am I praying with habitual disbelief?

Cleansed, forgiven, restored are the acts of this gift of sacrament. If I am willing to come to the table honestly.

Thank you, Lord, that You wish to settle accounts with me. Thank you for Your thresholds.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 25:12-13

Who are they that fear the Lord?

He will teach them the way that they should choose,

They will abide in prosperity,

and their children shall possess the land.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Matthew 18:4, Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

From a humble home so it

seemed this tiny babe born. So

poor a manger his bed.

Inheritance but servitude.

Yet a kingdom of glory left he behind. Grandeur

beyond belief.

Set aside for love.

Far from country journeyed they

men of wealth. Credentials great,

influence vast. Knowledge unsurpassed by

peers. Power.

Yet to this infant came these three to kneel. Bringing

tribute. Their homage

set aside for worship.

First position a place we all seek.

For accolades and self-esteem.

Boast of success, brag of

diligence. Ownership.

Yet He praises this child. Become so. Welcome such

a heart. Precious life.

Set aside for Me.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 101:6

I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,

so that they may live with me;

whoever walks in the way that is blameless

shall minister to me.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Mark 10:14, But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them; “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”

His own disciples saw the children as an intrusion. They rebuked the parents for bothering Jesus. His time, His person, was too important to deal with those too young to comprehend His teaching.

Encroachment.

Even parents and teachers often dismiss spiritual questions as just curiosity and either ignore or talk down answers. ‘When you’re older—you’ll understand,’ we say. Except maybe it’s we who don’t understand.

His truth penetrates all ages. The children hear clearly, respond honestly, question often. They participate in the relationship without guile, without guilt. Moment by moment.

Expectancy.

Everyday Lord, help me to come to You with a child’s heart, open to new experiences. Willing to live an adventure. Learning to live in Your kingdom. Willing to be taught. Wide-eyed with wonder.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 78:4

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation

the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Luke 6:20, Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

Blessed is not a term often used toward the poor. Pity, or anguish, or despair, perhaps better describes their situation. Despite advanced health, technology and agriculture the poor worldwide suffer. Scripture repeatedly exhorts care and concern toward the poor.

“Blessed are you”, says Jesus. He who looks into the hearts of men and sees hope. A poor man accepts a gift with gratitude, perhaps with humility. A poor man recognizes value in a simple object, shared goods, a hand of help.

Blessed is the name given to Mary, “she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” She who looked beyond even the boundaries of nature to see the Creator Himself, to accept His work in her life, perhaps with trembling. A poor young woman to carry God’s priceless gift.

Blessed are we Lord for Your salvation. For not leaving us empty and hungry in poverty of spirit but instead opening to us Your storehouse of life. Life with You.

Anytime I seek other than You Lord, please set poverty in my heart that I may know to return.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 22:26

The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord.

May your hearts live forever!

Kingdom Manna

Grace

John 18:36, Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

Israel’s history, like much of the ancient world, included a long list of battles. They fought for the land of Canaan against the Philistines and Amorites and Chaldeans. They fought wars within their lands for territory and kings. Often they fought at God’s call—as an arm of His command.

When outright challenge was thwarted, they went underground as freedom fighters, watching for opportunities to hinder, stab, and sabotage their conquerors, such as Rome. Right seethed within them. God given rights of land and nationality and religion.

In turn Rome diligently sought out insurrection. Stamped out the leaders. Knew who were the rabble-rousers and who the serious contenders. And Pilate believed Jesus’ claim. And trembled. And tried to release Him. This man of no worldly threat to Empire—Pilate recognized.

Why would Jesus need to fight for that which was already His? He stood calm before the tirade against Him. Preparing for the greater need. The battle for mankind’s deliverance. Religious and political leaders saw only an immediate threat to their territory and their influence. Not the spiritual war for reconciliation. Not the grace of God. Not the return of His kingdom.

Instill in me the discernment, Lord, to recognize Your rule.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.