Articles
Manna From Heaven
“I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” (Exodus 16:12)
To satisfy the hunger of Israel, God provided quail in the evening and manna in the morning. Specific instructions were given by God as to the manner it was to be gathered. They ate this bread from heaven for 40 years (Exodus 16:35). The manna was a type of Christ, who is the true bread from heaven (John 6:31-35).
As hard as it is to imagine a world without bread, it is even more difficult to imagine a world without Christ. The purpose of His life, the power of His word, the impact of His death, and the victory of His resurrection fulfill man’s greatest needs. What a famine in a world without Him!
The manna from heaven was given for the nourishment of Israel. Christ is food for the soul during our wilderness journey. God heard the cry of a starving world and gave His son, the bread of life, as atonement for sin.
Apparently, the manna from heaven was white and sweet to taste. The life of Christ has been described by one inspired writer as “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus had no ulterior motives or personal agenda. His influence and presence is sweet to taste.
The manna from heaven was given at a time when Israel was complaining against God. Dwelling on the lost delicacies of Egypt, Israel breaks out in unjust murmuring. God responded to their impatience by graciously providing food. He also overlooked man’s stubborn behavior, by extending mercy and terms of pardon through His son.
God instructed Israel to gather this manna early in the morning. If there was any delay the sweet bread melted away. Jesus, the bread of life, must not be neglected, or it may be too late to receive his blessings.
Just as manna was refreshment for Israel, Christ fulfills the hunger of starving souls in our age. He must not be ignored.
