A Word from Exodus 16

How do you feel about God’s provision these days?

We’ve had some “economic uncertainly” lately, which puts the issue of God’s provision front and center. And in today’s word from Exodus 16, we find some lessons about trusting His provision—and using it obediently once it’s given.

The people of Israel were traveling through the wilderness. And they weren’t satisfied with how God was providing. “If only we had died in Egypt!” they said. “There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted! But you have brought us out into this desert to starve us to death.” (16:3)

Naturally, God wasn’t pleased with their attitude. But He did provide by sending manna—the bread of heaven—to feed them. And miraculously, what He provided was just right. “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone gathered just as much as they needed.” (16:18)

And apparently, God wanted them to trust in His continued provision. “No one is to keep any of it until morning,” He said (16:19). But some did, and it ended up being full of maggots. And then, as the Sabbath approached, God told them to gather twice as much as they normally would before Sabbath, because there wouldn’t be any manna on the Sabbath day. “Nevertheless,” the Bible says, “some of the people went out on the Sabbath to gather it” (16:27). Maybe they didn’t trust God’s provision, or maybe they wanted more. But either way, “they found none.” (16:27)

All of this should remind us: God does provide for His children—maybe not what we want, but what we need…and with the goal that we’d use it in the way He commands. And maybe that’s why Jesus said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For…your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mt. 6:31-33)

So, let’s trust in God’s provision today—and live as children of a Heavenly Father, who loves us enough to give Himself…and so much more. Amen.