Heavenly Food
Today’s scripture selection: Numbers 9-12
Key verses: Numbers 11:6
The people in the desert were hungry. So they asked God to provide. And He did. It was called “manna” and it was, literally, heaven-sent.
At first, everything was fine. Then human nature kicked in.
“The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites starting wailing and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
Now, on the one hand I can identify with the people’s complaint. I remember how growing up my Mom loved a little product called “Hamburger Helper”. And, over the years, we ate a TON of it. Even though I knew my Mom was just trying to provide for us – well, let’s just say that if I never eat another helping of “Hamburger Helper” it will be too soon.
On the other hand, there is something that fascinates me about the people’s complaint. It’s that little bit about how they ate fish in Egypt “at no cost”.
- It seems they have forgotten one little detail about their history. They had been slaves in Egypt. Isn’t that a pretty high cost for a little piece of fish?
We can fall into the same trap.
We want something we don’t have. We start to feel sorry for ourselves. We might even re-write our own personal history a bit so that we can justify our complaint.
It’s far better if we come at things from another perspective.
Let’s remember how God has so lovingly and fully provided for our needs – physical, emotional, spiritual – time and time again.
Let’s remember that God knows what we need – while too often we only know what we want.
Let’s trust God – and thankfully accept what He sends our way.
It may just be manna from heaven.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving provision and care. Help me to trust in it, always. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 