Psalms 10-12

Acts 19:1-20

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you.’”    —Exodus 16:4

What significance is there in the manna God rained down for 40 years in the desert to feed His people other than it would have reminded them of the land flowing with milk and honey? Everything God does to the smallest detail is planned in advance and bears significance. The manna represented far more than merely the food God gave His people.

        The Israelites were six weeks into their journey when God miraculously provided them with manna. Each person was to gather as much as they needed for the day—no more, no less—and on the sixth day, gather enough for two days because there would be no provision on the seventh day. But there were those who gathered more than their daily quota, and what was left over turned to maggots by morning. This illustrates that there is nothing stale in what God does. Jeremiah writes, “…for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God was teaching His people to depend on Him for a fresh supply every morning, which is symbolic of how our relationship with Jesus Christ is meant to be…new and fresh every day.

        However, the deepest significance of manna is found in John 6. Jesus engaged some Jews in conversation and said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:32-35). Jesus conveys this provision of fresh manna provided every morning as a picture, a type, of Himself. It is a beautiful portrayal of the freshness that comes new every day in the provision of life, strength and power we have in Christ.

        The manna God provided in the wilderness was simply to sustain His people until they entered the land of Canaan where they would enjoy the full provision of God. This is indicative of many Christians today who are stuck in the wilderness: simply sustained, but never satisfied. The only way to experience the full provision of God is by getting to know Him. In a loving, committed relationship with Jesus Christ, we are not only nourished but find true meaning and purpose to life. As we walk every day in union with Him, we discover the blessings we have are fresh and new every day, because Jesus is the Bread of Life who meets our every need when we need it.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for meeting my needs. I ask that You fill me with Your Spirit and enable me to experience You, fresh and new every day. Thank You, Lord.