The Manna Life - JESUS IS OUR MANNA
By Jennifer Holder, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
The Israelites experienced God’s divine provision of manna until they entered the land of Cannan just as God had promised them. God orchestrated the timing of their arrival in several significant ways. First, they crossed the Jordan River during harvest season. Thus, as they conquered the land, they also enjoyed the fruits of a harvest they did not plant or care for, another way God miraculously provided for their needs. Then, immediately after arriving in Cannan, it was time to celebrate the Passover. This feast of remembrance originated forty years earlier, the night God brought the last plague on the land of Egypt with the death of every firstborn in every house not covered by the blood of the Passover lamb.
"And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land." Joshua 5:11-12
Their last night in Egypt had been the first Passover, and now their first night in the Promised Land was a Passover feast. This ritual was steeped in meaning for the
Israelites, so the significance would not have been lost on them, nor would the lesson of manna have been forgotten so soon. The people had become profoundly aware that God was their provider, protector, and guide. These lessons from the wilderness were the truths they needed to remain dependent on God as they obediently moved into the Promised Land. God continued to provide manna for their needs until He brought them into this new place. The provision looked different, but the lessons of manna were the foundation for the trust they would need for abundant life in their new home.
The message of manna did not stop there. Generations later, God would send another kind of “bread from heaven” in the person of Jesus. He said,
"I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." John 6:48-51
In this way, we still need manna, for Jesus is the living manna that saves and sustains us.
What do you need today? Can you imagine peeking out of your wilderness tent first thing in the morning, glancing across the desolate landscape? Can you envision the shadow cast by the pillar of fire and cloud, the symbol of God’s Presence, as you see your neighbors collecting their daily allotment of manna nearby? Can you imagine exhaling deeply as you squat down to gather the delicate flakes under the sun’s vibrant colors as it crests the horizon? What is it you are collecting? Is it hope? Is it love? Is it joy or peace or compassion? Is it an awareness of God’s Presence with you today? Is it a reminder of the mystery of God you need this morning or stories of God’s faithfulness? May you find the manna you need for your day in the person of Jesus as He promises, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) This promise of God’s presence with us from the moment of need to the fulfillment of the promise is something we can fully place our trust in, just as the Israelites learned to trust in God’s provision of manna in the wilderness.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Psalm 23:4
PRAYER
Lord, You are my living manna, the only thing that will save and sustain me. Thank you for Your promise to be with me. May my awareness of Your loving provision for my every need bring me to a place of worship as it reminds me of the enormity of Your love for me. May I see You clearer each day. May my need draw me to You. May I approach Your throne with boldness, knowing You have already provided what I will need.
More free resources for help, hope, and healing:
App/FaceBook/Podcasts
Learn more about our free resources and stay connected:
-Download the free Help & Hope App
-Follow us on Facebook MARKINC Ministries | Facebook
-Listen to our various Podcasts
About the Author: Jennifer Holder - Several years ago Jennifer Holder was unexpectedly thrust into the role of caregiver at the onset of her husband’s sudden crisis with debilitating OCD, panic disorder, and depression. She had to learn and continues to learn how to care for someone she loves who struggles with ongoing mental health issues. She quickly became aware that for every individual suffering from mental health, there are more who love them and are profoundly influenced as well. While she holds no formal credentialing in the mental health field, her experiences on this journey have compelled her to be a voice for the large, often invisible community of caregivers. Jenni wants fellow caregivers to know you are not alone, you are valuable, and although the role of caregiver is often seen as an unwanted burden, it can actually be a space of discovery, joy, and connection. She seeks to bring practical resources, hope, and levity to those living in the gaps in the mental health care system by honestly sharing her journey with the ever-growing community of those who love someone struggling with their mental health.
Connect with Jenni and her writing at jfholder.com
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Saturday, 24 February 2024.
SHARE
