Manna From Heaven
Exodus 16
In Exodus 16, I began my teaching by reflecting on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. I find it fascinating how quickly they forgot God’s past provisions. God has been so faithful to them. Despite witnessing amazing deliverance and overwhelming miracles, they still longed for the predictability of Egypt, which was as harsh as it was. Isn’t the same thing often true for us today? There is an ongoing between the flesh and the spirit…. spiritual warfare. This struggle is a universal experience for believers. When we are faced with various temptations and cravings, we often long to cling to the familiar and can quickly forget the faithfulness of God. We regularly have selective memory, where we overlook the pain and suffering of our past and remember it better than it was.
We must trust that God is in control, even when the path ahead is unclear. Friends, God’s path is often unpredictable, but He is always faithful. What is displayed in Exodus 16 is no different. Despite the Israelites’ doubt and murmuring, God met them there and responded with grace. He provided for their daily need…. Quail and Manna! Rely on God for your daily needs, seeking His guidance and provision rather than relying on your own understanding. Instead of complaining, let’s cultivate a heart of gratitude for God’s continuous provision and care.
I see eight things about Manna that are so good to know:
- Manna was supernaturally given. Even as the Word of God is not from man but from God, it’s inspired by Him.
- Manna had to be eaten, not admired. They didn’t pick it up and look at it; they consumed it. God’s Word isn’t meant to be admired but to be devoured and consumed.
- Manna was gathered every day. What was taken today wasn’t for tomorrow, just as God’s Word needs to be taken in daily.
- Manna was taken in by hard work. Studying God’s Word and applying it to our lives requires work. It takes our effort and time.
- Manna was gathered in the morning. God’s word is great to take in before you begin your day. We are seeking first the kingdom!
- Manna was gathered by bending down. It wasn’t taken off trees, but by being on their knees. Humility is a great place for us.
- Manna confused the natural man. The mixed multitude didn’t understand it, just as the Word is only understood through the Spirit.
- Manna was despised by the mixed multitude. Some people come to church, own a Bible, and even sing along, but God’s Word means nothing to them.
Manna wasn’t just physical sustenance; it symbolized Jesus, the true bread from Heaven. It’s a powerful metaphor for our salvation. Just as God’s provision was daily and sufficient, Jesus’ sacrifice for us was complete. He is all we need!
This section of scripture once again demonstrates the importance of obedience. God commanded the Israelites to gather manna daily and rest on the Sabbath. When the Israelites disobeyed, the manna stank and was riddled with worms. The same is true for us. Disobedience brings a stench into our lives and ruins things. Equally important, we must rest. If we want to remain effective, we need a rest from the world and allow God to refresh us with His Word. Guard your time with the Lord and prioritize it in your life.
We need to learn to embrace the Gospel in our suffering. Our personal trials can deepen our faith and extend our reach, and we can begin to encourage others with the comfort we have received from the Lord. Whether it’s a health diagnosis or day-to-day struggles, these experiences make us empathetic and resilient. Hold fast to the power of the Gospel in your everyday life, encouraging others through our stories and God’s unending faithfulness.
As we navigate our own wilderness experiences, let us remember the lessons from Exodus 16. Trust in God’s faithfulness, embrace the unpredictability of faith and rely on Him for our daily needs. By doing so, we can grow in our relationship with God, deepen our faith, and become examples of His love and provision to those around us.
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