During the forty years that the children of Israel wandered through... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s needs.
Exodus 16:18.

During the forty years that the children of Israel wandered through the wilderness God provided them with manna, “bread from heaven” (v. 4). Every morning it lay on the ground around the camp. The Israelites simply had to go out and gather it up.

God wanted them to gather it according to their need. Some ate more than others; so they gathered more. But what God provided sufficed for all every day without exception. There was never any lack, nor any need to quarrel over it. God’s faithfulness towards His people lasted the entire forty years. If there were any lack, it was through the people’s idleness. Whoever left gathering until the sun was high in the sky came too late: the manna had melted in the heat. And whoever gathered less than a day’s requirement didn’t need to wonder if he was hungry in the evening.

The Lord Jesus explained that manna had a spiritual significance, in that it pointed to Himself: “The bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33). He is the One who gives life to believers who eat of this bread. And He is the food for our souls, that which nourishes our new life. Occupation with Him, who walked on this earth as the perfect Man, strengthens our souls for our pathway through life’s wilderness. This makes us aware of our need to lead our life in dependence on God, in purity, humility and love.

There was always sufficient manna: and the Lord Jesus suffices to refresh and strengthen His own. Any spiritual lack we experience arises through our neglecting to feed on Him. Let us take our Bibles and gather. Our occupation with Him will satisfy all our need!

Today’s reading: Habakkuk 3:1-19 · Mark 10:23-31