Really, Manna! Again?



(courtesy R. Pelisson - http://www.saharamet.com/)

When I read about the 40 years of desert wanderings...I read of breath-taking miracles of provision.

But what did the Israelites see?

I read about manna in the wilderness and think, Wow! Now that is incredible morsel of provision...But the Israelites saw it as a boring, monotonous drudgery that lost its "WOW" effect after a few days.



Can you imagine their grumbling? "Really, manna again? I want flat bread with honey, or lamb with bitter herbs..."

I've often thought, Where is their gratefulness? Why aren't they thankful? Don't they comprehend God's amazing gifts of love?

However lately, I've read their plight with a different lens. You see, I've encountered the desert. I've endured aimless wanderings. I've longed for greater sustenance than daily provisions. And, unfortunately complained (just like them) instead of offering God praise. Can you relate?

Desert wanderings have a way of bringing out the "grumble" in us all. Daily provisions pale in comparisons to lucrative portfolios. Serving in small groups doesn't seem as glamorous as preaching in coliseums.

BUT...Grumbling produces death. 1 Corinthians 10:10 reminds us, "And do not grumble, as some of them did — and were killed by the destroying angel." (NIV)

So, today, I am committed to offer praise for my manna and the daily victories, realizing that God is at work for my good.

Exodus 23:28-30 reminds us that God is preparing US for the victory, so that the blessing will not overtake us. We need to grow, be stretched, and increase spiritually in order to sustain God's promise.

God told the Israelites, "I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land." (NIV)

The question before us is, "Will we praise Him for His daily provisions? Will we rejoice in our 'manna'? Will we recognize his goodness it what once seemed trivial or monotonous?

I for one, want to praise Him and see the miraculous in the every day!

PRAYER: Father forgive us for grumbling instead of praising. Thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for Your provision! Thank YOU for loving us, for Your patience and Your grace!