The other morning in my devotions I read about the priests who ministered unto the Lord. The Scripture records how they did their business, which was essentially a routine that began every morning and evening.1 Somehow, the words “every morning” leapt off the pages at me. Those verses led me to other “every morning” verses.
Every morning, Israel was to gather manna.2 Manna is a ‘type’ of Christ3 and of God’s Word.4 Every morning, the priest was to offer up sweet incense,5 which is a ‘type’ of prayer.6 Every morning, he was to offer up the burnt offering,7 which was the offering of consecration unto the Lord.8 Every morning, the priests were to stand up to thank and praise the Lord.9
Are you getting the picture here of morning devotions? What a way to begin each day!
As we spend that time before the Lord, we are assured of a ‘special visit’ from Him,10 along with all the mercy we will need for that day.11 I trust that the Holy Spirit will use these verses to raise us out of any rut or routine of lifeless devotions into a fresh encounter every morning with Jesus, “the bright and Morning Star.”12
1-2 Chron 13:10,11; 2-Ex 16:14-16,21; 3-John 6:48-50; 4-Matt 4:4; 5-Ex 30:7; 6-Psalm 141:2a; 7-Lev 6:12; 8-Rom 12:1,2; 9-1 Chron 23:30; 10-Job 7:18; 11-Lam 3:22,23; 12-Rev 22:16.
Pastor Ray,
Loved the insight! These devotionals (every morning) along with prayer serve a wonderful purpose setting a path for the day. Yes there are important “do lists” and commitments but they can place our focus on things of the world, and away from the Lord.
Although “every morning” reflections as in those verses you quoted often lift us up, at times they can provide a word of correction. In Psalm 73, Asaph shares his bitterness, struggles, and envy regarding prosperous evil men who are undeserving. The writer of the psalm states how he is chastened “every morning”, finding error in his ways:
Psalm 73:12-14,
“Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. [13] Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. [14] For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.”
Chastening sounds like a bad wakeup call to hear every morning but as in many psalms it doesn’t end there. Along with chastening can come self correction, humility, and appreciation of the Lord as cited in these verses from that very psalm:
“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. [25] Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. [26] My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
As you captured this morning, the word teaches that “every mornings” help us guide our daily paths. Sometimes with encouragement. Sometimes with self reflection. Always with loving guidance. And His guidance is always for our good.
Thank you for pointing the way to Jesus every morning. Much appreciated.
Blessings,
JoseM