Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (NRSV)
Read Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. Verse 3The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Verse 4Then the Lord said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. Verse 9Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, 'Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.'" Verse 10And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. Verse 11The Lord spoke to Moses and said, Verse 12"I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'"
Verse 13In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. Verse 14When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. Verse 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.
Devotion
When the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the Wilderness for lack of good food and want of a better vision of the future, it was the third time since they had left enslavement in Egypt that they had doubted God’s provision and criticized their leaders. Seemingly, there is something about our broken human nature that often has us looking at life as a glass half empty rather than a pantry half full. Fear depresses us; our heart rate and blood pressure increase. Meanwhile, God continually reveals faithfulness, mercy, and steadfast love. God’s response to Israel’s murmurings was quail for meat, then manna-bread, to satisfy their hunger. Just so, God provides for our comprehensive needs today as well. What’s your need today, for yourself or an acquaintance? Where is your wilderness? No need to stress and murmur. God is Love. Trust God to meet you there and to graciously provide.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, you know my selfish wants and desires. Instead of meeting them, out of your all-wise provision feed me with what I need to serve your desires for me, unto your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.