2014 February 25 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:1-7)

 

Today's Morsel:   I can remember when we once had a donkey.  They are a pretty neat animal to be around. They don't go as fast as a horse or a mule.  They seem to be somewhat like an ox, they take their own sweet time. Every so often you can get them to run, but not for long.   At Christmas time, everyone seems to get attention but the donkey.  Yet they donkeys played a major role throughout scripture.  Balaam had a donkey that even talked and protected him from death.  By all accounts, Mary rode a donkey into Bethlehem out of Egypt and gave birth to the Savior of the world.  The Savior of the world rode a donkey into Jerusalem, and gave birth to a church that would bring forth many sons.  "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them,  Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass"(Matthew 21:1-5).  The donkey was used to carry the load.  He was a beast of burden.  Peter tells us that when our load is heavy, that we too should cast them upon the Lord because he careth us us (1 Peter 5:7).  I don't know what load you are carrying today, maybe you are caring around a load of guilt and shame today.  Whatever it is, you really don't have to carry it.  Why not put it upon Jesus and let Him carry them for you. 

 

Sing:  The load of sin, was more than I could bear, He took them all away, He took them all away, and now on Him I roll my every care, He took them all away.