Bread from Heaven
God knows our needs and provides every day the nourishment for our mind, body, and spirit.
“In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day...Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning...Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much...‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord...The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.”
Exodus 16:2, 4, 8, 19, 21-23, 31
Can you imagine living a life truly one day at a time? This story shows a picture of the life that God designs for us. One where we are dependent on and trust in His provision, plan, and purposes. Manna sounds a little like a graham cracker or some other tasty treat, but with a heavenly calorie count.
Are you comfortable living one day at a time? Keeping your focus on the present moment and believing that God will meet all your needs tomorrow. The enemy wants provision and unclear plans to create fear. God wants the mystery of life to produce faith in Him.
“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot— come, let us rejoice in him. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.”
Psalms 66:1-2, 5-6, 10, 19
What awesome deeds has God done for you? Where are you in awe of the creator and testifying about the miraculous. The God who carries His people through the middle of the sea wants all of us to know that all of our needs and fully known. As you call on Him, He already has an answer. The timing of His answers are part of the test that refines our faith into a more pure, holy state.
“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. ...the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
Proverbs 15:3, 15-16, 30, 33
There is a biological response to fear. Our hearts race, our senses shift, and we prepare for the response of fight or flight. God wants to teach us a better way to live. Rather than constantly reacting to the potential fears we face, God wants to show us that we can live freely as we learn to let go.
The Israelites had to completely learn to let go controlling what would happen tomorrow and trust God would provide. What do you need to let go of? Wisdom says our lives will be better if we focus on the good news that God is present and the provider.
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord...I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem...And I...am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory...from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me"
Isaiah 66:2, 13, 18, 20, 23
What does the Lord say through Isaiah? He wants to bring us from Sabbath to Sabbath. From rest to rest. We like to live the opposite. Running and rushing from one anxiety induced worry to the next. Jesus came to guide us to a place of peace. Jesus said that we will be better off when we embrace the comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Can you feel the comforter in your life? Where would you like more comfort. God says He wants to gather His people to Himself and help them experience the rest that comes when He is their refuge.
“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover...And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you...I am among you as one who serves"
Luke 22:7-8, 19-20, 26-27, 29, 31-32
In the Wilderness, God sent manna to feed the people. At the Last Supper, Jesus proclaims that He is the modern day manna, the Bread of Life that will never let people go hungry. He gives us exactly what we need for each day. Not more, not less. He modeled a life of trusting God for everything and encourages us to trust in Him.
How would it change the way you approach each day if you started by taking communion? What would happen in your heart and how would it grow your faith if you started by giving thanks to Jesus for breaking His body and pouring out His blood for you. The truth is God knows what we need and sent His son that we might never perish, but have everlasting life as we feed on the food for our souls.