Moses led a whiney crowd through the desert. They complained and grumbled. Ungrateful for their rescue from Egypt. They accused Moses of bringing them out of slavery just to take them into the desert to starve to death.
God’s response? “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord YOUR God.’ ” Though their request and need was in the form of complaining, God listened. And He promised an answer that would show them that He was their personal God. That He loved them and cared for them.
The following morning, the Israelites woke to a layer of thin, frost-like flakes on the ground. This was their manna (named that because it means what they said when they saw it – “what is this?”). But it wasn’t just a bland answer to their growling stomachs. The bible tells us that it “tasted like wafers made with honey.” Mmmmmmm….that sounds really good to me. And God provided for each individual and each household. And each day the perfect amount for that day only.
Then God instructed them to keep about two quarts (the amount per person, per day) in a jar as a reminder for future generations of God’s faithfulness, love and provision. And then we’re told, “The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land that was settled. they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.” Everything they needed for every single day until they reached their destination.
I read about these people and I think, “You guys are selfish, ungrateful fools. God, over and over again, rescued you, led you, provided for you, and was infinitely patient with you. And you act like this???” And then I look in the mirror and go, “Oh.” Because I realize that I am just like them. Seeing God’s hand in my life over and over again. Experiencing the provision of the daily sweet “manna” in my life. “All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided” as the hymn goes. And yet, I am prone to complaining and worrying and fretting.
I need to follow the same instructions that the Israelites received. To gather my daily manna thankfully, recognizing where it came from. And realizing that God’s provision is extended to me personally, but also to my household. (This is especially important to us moms, as we can tend to worry about our babies – God’s provision is for each of them as well.) Then I need to take what God has given and save it and show it to others so that they can be encouraged and better understand God’s love and care and faithfulness.
My prayer is that the words I write will be my “manna in a jar”. Sharing what God has done for me and for my family as an encouragement to others and hopefully, one day, future generations.
So let’s enjoy today’s sweet manna. Let’s savor the flavor of honey on our tongues. Let’s relish the day to day provision that comes straight from God’s hand. And let’s enjoy it ’til that one day when we reach our final destination…:-)
