Thursday, June 15, 2023

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 June 2023

How Did the Gold Become Dim?

“How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.” (Lamentations 4:1)

Today’s Morsel: The Golden State is the nickname for the state of California.  Even though the nickname was given in the 20th century, it was named that by some during the 19th century of the California Gold Rush. Gold is a precious metal that is very expensive. When God instructed Moses to oversee the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness, many of the items were to be overlayed with and made from gold. David says: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalms 19:7-10) The word of God is even more important than gold, he says. The apostle Peter also informs us that our faith is more precious than gold: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7) But the question is asked, “How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed!” ? In other words, how did the tabernacle become of no value? How did the place where God’s Spirit dwelt lose its beauty or splendor? Paul asked: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) You, as the temple of God, are seen as being as precious gold. But allowing the world and its ways into your life, will cause you to change from what God made you to be, to become something that is useless and without value.

Sing: He is fairer than the lily of the valley, He is brighter than the morning star, He is purer than the snow, fresher than the breeze, lovelier than all of these.


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