Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Manna: God's Provision from Heaven

Bible Reading:   Exodus 16:11-32
Key verse: “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning, you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” (Exodus 16: 12)

DEVOTION 

Exodus 16 is an interesting narrative of how God miraculously fed the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to Sinai, demonstrating His provision and prompting reflection on trust, obedience, and God's character. It highlights God's faithfulness, power, and holiness, as well as Israel's tendency to doubt, their attitude of unbelief, ingratitude, and disobedience.   We see God’s unwavering care, patience and compassion in hearing and answering the complaints of His people, even though they were unjust and ungrateful.
 
The Lord hears the Israelites’ complaints and promises to provide meat (quail) in the evening and bread (manna) in the morning. In the evening, quail came into the camp, and in the morning, a layer of dew covered the ground. When the dew lifted, a fine, flaky substance (manna) appeared on the surface, resembling frost.  God instructs the Israelites to gather an omer (ancient Israelite unit of dry measure used in the era of the Temple in Jerusalem) according to the number of people in the tents.
 
God provided manna daily, instructing the Israelites to gather only what they needed for that day. On the sixth day, they were to gather a double portion to last through the Sabbath, as no manna would fall on that day.  The act of hoarding manna and not trusting God's provision for the next day, as well as the failure to gather a double portion on the sixth day, demonstrated a lack of faith.  This serves as a lesson about the importance of trusting God's provision and not being greedy or trying to hoard what God has given.  It also highlights the consequences of disobedience.
 
The 40-year journey is relevant today as a reminder to trust God in all circumstances and to seek spiritual nourishment. It is a strong reminder of God's faithfulness and His willingness to provide for His people in times of need.  The Israelites named it "manna," which means "What is it?" in Hebrew. Manna is a symbol of God's provision and a foreshadowing of Jesus, who is called the "bread of life" in the New Testament.  In the Old Testament, manna was the miraculous bread provided by God to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the "bread of life," offering spiritual nourishment and eternal life to those who believe in him.


PRAYER

Jehovah Jireh our provider, we come to you in humble surrender! Sovereign Lord, help us to trust in your provision, even when facing challenges and feeling anxious about the future. Help us to see you as the giver of all good gifts and to worship you above all else. Amen.
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Manna is a reminder to seek God's Word daily.  Trusting God for daily provision and finding rest in His provision, as seen in the Israelites' experience with manna.

Sunita Alexander
The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Ontario, Canada.

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more