Summary: The people did not follow Moses’ instructions.
Self-Exam: It had to be tempting for the people to want to keep some of the manna for the next day. They had no other food source. Holding back a little might provide a little more assurance…but that is not what they were told to do. In the end, what they had saved was wasted, and their leader was angry with them. We are also tempted to not truly depend upon God and strive to provide our own assurance. Do you fully trust?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon how God calls you to trust. Pray you listen and heed all instructions.
Examine Our Church: Does our church fully trust?
Background Passage: Exodus 16:19-36
Key Verses: 16:21-24
Summary: The people were instructed to keep what they needed for the Sabbath.
Self-Exam: The manna would spoil after one day except when they gathered enough extra to prepare for the Sabbath. The message is that God’s provision is just right. When they trusted enough for one day, it was provided. When they trusted enough for two days, the provision lasted. They could not have been more vulnerable. Their need to trust could not have been greater. When they did, it worked. Do you trust God’s provision?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon how God provides for you. Pray your trust is full.
Examine Our Church: How has God provided for us?
Background Passage: Exodus 16:19-36
Key Verses: 16:25-26
Summary: There was no manna on the Sabbath mornings.
Self-Exam: The manna would not last beyond one day for six days a week but lasted quite well on the Sabbath. The Israelites would find it six days a week but not on the Sabbath. There could not be a clearer sign that the provision was directly from the hand of God. We may not always have that clarity in the moment, but in the end, we will see that in all things, God has worked for our good. Can you see how God has provided?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon how God has given just what you need. Pray for clearer understanding.
Examine Our Church: How has God cared for our church through the years?
Background Passage: Exodus 16:19-36
Key Verses: 16:27-28
Summary: Some disobeyed and found no manna on the Sabbath.
Self-Exam: It is not surprising that some of the Israelites did not heed the instructions. Instead, they searched for manna on the Sabbath. There are many today who would do the same thing. The troubling truth is found in God’s statement concerning their disobedience. God asked, “How long?” Does God still have that response to those who claim to seek and follow his will? Has God asked the same about you?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon how God responds to your behavior. Pray he isn’t asking how long.
Examine Our Church: Has God ever asked “how long” of us?
Background Passage: Exodus 16:19-36
Key Verses: 16:29-30
Summary: The people were reminded that God had given them the Sabbath and manna.
Self-Exam: God had to remind his people that the Sabbath was a blessing he had given them. It was for that reason that the manna fell as it did. Later, Jesus would have to reiterate that teaching. It is a reminder of how God works. There are things that God calls us to do, but there are so many things that God has planned as blessings for us that we want to make a task or burden. Do you appreciate the giving nature of God’s plan?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon how God seeks to bless you. Pray for perspective that acknowledges that.
Examine Our Church: How does our church see what God calls?
Background Passage: Exodus 16:19-36
Key Verses: 16:31-33
Summary: The people were told to keep a container of manna for future generations.
Self-Exam: God told the people to keep a sample of the manna so that future generations would remember how he had provided for the people of Israel. Christians may want to keep mementos of God’s provision for others as well. More importantly, though, there are memories and stories to tell. All Christians should be witnesses of God’s blessings for others. What stories do you have to tell? How has God provided for you?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon what you can share with others. Pray you take advantage of every opportunity.
Examine Our Church: What story is our church telling?
Background Passage: Exodus 16:19-36
Key Verses: 16:34-36
Summary: The people ate manna until they came to the border of Canaan.
Self-Exam: There was a time for God to stop his provision of manna. The people had arrived at the promised land. Now, they would be able to produce what they needed to meet their needs. There comes a time when we reach a new phase in our lives and we need to produce. God will provide when we need. God will provide opportunity. We must be willing to go to work when it is time. Are you productive?
Meditate and Pray: Meditate upon what God wants you to do to meet your needs. Pray you respond to God’s provided opportunities.
Examine Our Church: How is our church working for God?
