THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #114 | THE LIFE OF MOSES #95
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3799
THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #114
THE LIFE OF MOSES #95
FROM ELIM TO THE WILDERNESS OF SIN #6
WHAT WAS THE TEST OF MANNA ABOUT?
In the miraculous provision of water, manna and quail, God revealed no anger or disappointment at the people's reaction but rather immediately complied with their requests.
In Marah, God tells Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water thereby miraculously sweetening the bitter waters (15:25).
In Elim, God begins providing them with the manna, the bread which they eat in the day, and with quail to eat in the evening (16:13).
In the wilderness of Sin, God tells Moses to strike a rock from which issues forth water for the people to drink (17:6).
In the case of manna, God stated that He will rain down bread each day in order to TEST them, to see whether they will follow His "TOROTAI" (translated "My instructions").
Thus the purpose of God's provision of the manna is to test the people of Israel.
What is the test of the manna?
A clue is found in its origin. It fell from the sky - a place which is unreachable so that the people would be incapable of acquiring the manna themselves but would always be looking upward towards God.
Thus the manna tests the people's willingness to be totally dependent on God.
Will the people have faith in God's capacity to provide for their needs?
Will they be willing to lead such an existence devoid of independent security?
Will they accept a lifestyle in which they depend completely on God's kindness to survive?
Those who lacked faith in God were constantly apprehensive of tomorrow and thus attempted to stock up on the manna disobeying Moses' prohibition of keeping enough manna for the following day.
Those who had full faith in God had no problem with receiving daily rations of food. Their unwavering faith allowed them to overcome the uncertainties of tomorrow and approach the future with confidence and security.
The faithful not only passed the test of the manna, they indeed viewed its daily distribution as preferable, as a gift from God which allowed for a daily recognition and experience of God's benevolence.
Their constant dependence on God for nutrition, whether it be the manna, quail or water was not a burden or liability. It was an opportunity for strengthening their awareness and connection to God.
Will we be like those who placed their trust in God regardless of whether manna fell or not.
Will we be more dependent on His daily bread rather than on physical food?
