Forty years in the wilderness. Forty years of manna. Every. Single. Day. They were only about a year into their journey when God added quail to their diet for one month, but that’s a story for another time. Lydia from Tent 53728 and all who traveled with her had a long time to perfect their manna recipes. And to begin to understand the meaning of the manna.
In Deuteronomy 8, Moses calls the people to “remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his command. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but from every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during those forty years. Know then in your hearts that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you” (vs 2-5).
God’s purpose was to train and form this ragtag mob into a people who obeyed him, revealing to the world his power, majesty, love, and faithfulness. That called for them to be humble and teachable, hungry for God’s word, and accepting of his loving discipline.
The meaning of the manna? It is a reminder of God’s desire to humble us, to feed us with his word, so that we let go of all that we depend on to feed ourselves and let him lead us. However he wants; wherever he he wants.
And the manna points us to Jesus, who said, “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven.Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:48-51).
“We are grateful, Lord, for the manna—your provision for your people during their long sojourn in the wilderness and for Jesus, the bread of life. May your Word be our food as we continue to learn humility and the grace of obedience. Thank you that you discipline us in love because you are our trustworthy and good Father. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”
The boredom of manna…to teach us that man does not live by bread alone but by every one of God’s words.
This long, difficult time of coronavirus and political and economic turmoil…to help us remember that our best striving cannot help us unless God is our refuge and strength.
Great post, Ginger!
Joan, “boredom” is a good word to describe manna. (I think about the gluten-free communion wafer option in connection with manna!) I am glad that God is our refuge and strength and, through him, we can depend on him through these crazy, troubled times. Ginger
Ginger, this truly was a Rama word for me today! I have been reminded again and again to focus and refocus on Jesus. No matter what life brings my way. Thank you for being a blessing to me today!
God’s Word is powerful, isn’t it! I am so grateful that we have the Scriptures that show us God at work in the world and that we have Jesus,the bread of life to nourish our souls.
It was so good to see you today and enjoy the restful beauty of your garden. Thank you for blessing me today tool Ginger
Helps me see difference between needs and wants and t feel grateful for His provision.
It’s easy to get those two confused, isn’t it Paula! I think gratitude can go a long way to helping us recognize God’s care for us and makes it easier to let go of the wants we thought were needs. Ginger