WHAT IS THAT?

In the late 1970’s, I was responsible for several groups of field representatives in the ministry I served. One of my tasks as Executive VP was not only to direct the business affairs of the ministry but also to be involved in the continuing spiritual development of our team. At one point I asked all the field reps to read Exodus 16 every day for several weeks and then send me a brief report on what the passage had said to them. I chose Exodus 16 because I personally had found it very meaningful. It had spoken volumes to me about God’s provision and His faithfulness. About ten days into the time period, one of my closest friends called me and in frustration blurted out, “Dave, I have read this passage every day and I am getting absolutely nothing.” We had a good laugh together and I talked to him about what the Lord had quickened to my heart from this passage.

Sometimes we try too hard to make Scripture “talk to us” and in our desire to find the “deeper truths,” we miss the obvious.

When the children of Israel exited Egypt, they did so riding on the power of several explosive events. First, it was a miracle that Pharaoh would release them. The exodus began because of a series of miraculous occurrences, including the visit of the Death Angel. The Israelites plundered the Egyptians and God protected them on their way to the shores of the Red Sea. Then the Red Sea opened for them and the Egyptian army was destroyed by the very miracle that allowed the Jews to escape.

Once in the wilderness, the lifestyle of the escaping Jews changed dramatically. In Egypt they worked for a living, but in the wilderness there was no way for them to work and so (are you ready for this?) they had to learn to trust in the faithfulness of God to provide for them! This has always been a tough lesson for God’s people to learn.

When my friend called me in frustration and said emphatically, “I’m getting nothing here, nothing,” it wasn’t because he was dead spiritually. He is a marvelous Spirit-filled follower of Jesus. It was just that the miracle of the manna was an obscure truth and at that time, he did not see it. His blindness on this issue doesn’t make him worse or better than any of us. We all have areas of blindness that we grapple with in different areas of spiritual truth—or at least I certainly do.

The manna that is discussed in Exodus 16 was obscure to the Jews, as well. They had never seen anything like it before and they didn’t know what to think of it. The meaning of the word manna in Hebrew is, “What is it?” (16:15).

Here are a few of the more obvious lessons from Exodus 16. (If you have others and want to send them, use the COMMENT button below and I will post them in the comment section.)

• God is faithful. For forty years, twice a day, six days a week, God sent enough provision to feed hundreds of thousands of people. This is the first recorded example of “fast food” catering!

• Manna is an example of God’s commitment to provide for the needs of His people

• Each family was to take just enough for one day and on Friday, enough to get them through to Sunday; otherwise, the provision would begin to breed worms and stink. I wonder what that says about trying to store up faith and trust like you were adding money to a bank account. There is no bank account in which to deposit trust for tomorrow. Trust cannot be built up and held for use in the future. Our trust in Him is to be refreshed every day. Yesterday’s trust just won’t cut it today! (Pun intended.)

• When the lesson of the miracle of the manna was over, it was over. As the children of Israel crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, the miracle of the manna stopped (see Joshua 5:12). Methods change! God has never done it just this way ever again.

• The lesson is not about manna, it’s about obedience and trust. Manna is temporary but faith/trust will carry us into eternity. God was teaching His people to trust (see verse 6).

God’s ability to provide for the needs of His people is unlimited. (Please note that I said needs, not wantsǃ Wants indicate greed and covetousness.) God’s ability to care for us is as limitless as eternity is big!

“What is it?” the Jews said when they looked at the manna. How will God provide? I don’t know! His methods continually adjust and change. I just know it will be there when we need it!