 |
| Israelites Collecting Manna in the Desert |
During this week I am focusing on six different teachings of Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle. Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it. Matthew 11:29-30 says:
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.
Today's Teaching: "God Will Provide"
I love the story of the Israelites in the wilderness and being fed by "manna" which appears on the desert floor for them to eat. It is the details of the story that I love. First they had to share what they collected. When they collected the food they discovered that they always collected just enough for the whole community even though some collected more and some collected less. That could be a sermon all in itself. Second - if they tried to store it up for the next day they discovered that it went bad and wormy overnight. Again a great lesson about God's provision for us and our desire to hoard things for ourselves. Third - there was an exception to these first two details. On the day before the Sabbath they were always able to collect twice as much as usual. When they kept half overnight it did not go bad. On the Sabbath there would be no manna to collect. It is this third detail that verifies for us that the first two details are a part of God's plan and that this plan has a lot to teach us about God's provision.
Now in later times we have the teaching of Jesus: God feeds the birds - he will feed you. God clothes the flowers of the field - he will clothe you. To believe these things frees you to become a generous person and put your greed behind. To believe these things frees you to seek first the kingdom of God without fear that you will go without. Have you let it sink deeply into your heart that God is providing for you? Then let go of your greed and fear. What a glorious moment that will be.
Thank you, some days that is hard when money is low but commitments are continual. I think of this thought each Spring when the Robins return or butterflies migrate - how did they do it?
ReplyDeleteJesus asks us to keep life simple - make relationship, confess your sins and trust on Him. My anxiety comes when I forget that and dwell on me and life comes crashing in - again, I need to step back and use my faith in relationship, praying out the promises through strength in the Holy Spirit.
In all my years, have I ever been without a meal or without a bed. One day at a time, one prayer and He knows my heart and answers when I call.
Life is seeking others in their need, helping just as Christ helps me.
May His will be done in my life today to make that difference to provide for others as He provides for me.
Blessings to your day.