Manna: Bread from Heaven

Gathering of the Manna, James Tissot, 1836-1902, Public Domain

In 2019. I was driven from my home of 30+ years, as the Israelites were driven from Egypt.

• Neither of us knew where we were headed, but we both trusted in the LORD.

• They had Moses to lead them, but I had the Holy Bible.

• All our needs were met, and they were met abundantly.

  
  

Their leaders died, but Mine lives forever and guides me every hour.

This is the 24th theophany we have looked at so far. This one and the last 4 are from the Book of Exodus and occurr during Moses* (1571-1451BC). All 4 took place in one year, 1491, the year of the Exodus.

An asterisk* after a name means the person is in my book SPIRITUAL LIVES.

The Pillar of Cloud served as a clear sign of God's presence throughout the Israelites' journey. Although the Angel of the LORD’s physical form is not described, He was clearly a divine being.

The Jews identify him as

Michael,the great prince, who became a wall of fire between Israel and the Egyptians; and if they understood by him the uncreated angel, the eternal Word, the Son of God, who is always in Scripture meant by Michael, they are right: for certainly this Angel of the Lord is the same with Jehovah, who is said to go before them in a pillar of cloud and fire, Exo_13:21, - John Gill (1697-1771)

Most, if not all, of the theophanies we have seen were of the preincarnatie Jesus Christ* (4 BC-30AD)

What is unique about this theophany is that it lasted for forty years! During the day, this cloud guided the Israelites, symbolizing protection and direction. It acted as a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness, bringing reassurance during their uncertain travels.

However, as time went on, what began as a miraculous sign eventually faded into the background. The awe of witnessing God’s guidance diminished, leading to a dangerous complacency among the people. They began to forget the miracles they had witnessed, a common pitfall for many facing new challenges.

The Murmuring of the Israelites: Forgetting the Miracles

Just two months after escaping Egypt, the Israelites began to complain against Moses and Aaron* (1574-1452 BC). In Exodus 16:2-3, they express their regret, longing for the comforts of Egypt.

"Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt... for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

These complaints reveal how quickly we can forget divine aid when faced with new hardships. Despite the visible Pillar of Cloud, the Israelites allowed their hunger and discomfort to overshadow their memory of God’s past provisions. This incident reveals a fundamental truth about human nature: we often overlook divine guidance in difficult times.

God’s Response: Providing for the Hungry Souls

When Moses shared this message, he reminded the people that they would witness "the glory of the LORD." Exodus 16:10 states, “the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.” This moment marked a significant turning point—God’s glory made manifest, reassuring the Israelites of His continual presence.

The Glory of the LORD: A Bright Assurance

The glory of God manifested in the cloud was not simply a display of power; it provided comfort during a challenging time. It symbolized the warmth and light of divine guidance amidst darkness and uncertainty.

The term "glory" describes a spectacular expression of divine love and authority that reminds us we are not abandoned. This significant event encourages us to seek and recognize God’s glory in our daily lives.

As the Israelites gathered to witness this wonder, they were reminded that God actively participated in their struggles—fulfilling not only their physical needs but also supporting their spiritual journey.

Manna: More Than Just Bread

Following God’s promise, manna appeared, a heavenly bread that provided sustenance in the wilderness. It was more than just food; it represented a lesson in trust. Each day, the Israelites gathered manna, learning to rely on God’s daily provision.

Eye-level view of a field where manna might have fallen

This dependence on God fostered a relationship built on trust—not only for physical needs but also for spiritual growth. The Israelites were encouraged to communicate with God about their needs on a regular basis.

Manna teaches us that our daily lives should connect us to a source of life. When we view our challenges as part of a spiritual journey, we appreciate the beauty of God's ongoing provision.

Embracing the Divine Presence

The story of the Israelites in the wilderness, represented by the Pillar of Cloud and the gift of manna, challenges us to think about God’s signs in our lives today.

Are we alert to His presence, seeking His guidance, or do we allow the ordinary details of life to obscure His glory?

In the end, just as God cared for the Israelites, His glorious presence remains active and relevant in our lives. Jesus had this to say about their bread of heaven.

I am that bread of life. 

Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. - John 6:48-51

he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.  - John 6;58

Let us actively seek and embrace this divine presence as we navigate our own wilderness, trusting that God will guide us each day, providing for our needs along the way.

Living Word, You're all I need,

Living Word, on Thee I feed --old Sunday School Song

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Savior! I fol­low on, guid­ed by Thee,

Seeing not yet the hand that lead­eth me;

Hushed be my heart and still,

Fear I no fur­ther ill;

Only to meet Thy will my will shall be.

Riven the rock for me thirst to re­lieve,

Manna from Heav­en falls fresh ev­ery eve;

Never a want sev­ere caus­eth my eye a tear,

But Thou dost whis­per near, On­ly be­lieve!

Often to Marah’s brink have I been brought;

Shrinking the cup to drink, help I have sought;

And with the pray­er’s as­cent,

Jesus the branch hath rent—

Quickly re­lief hath sent, sweet­ening the draught.

Savior! I long to walk clos­er with Thee;

Led by Thy guid­ing hand ev­er to be;

Constantly near Thy side,

Quickened and pu­ri­fied,

Living for Him who died free­ly for me!

--Charles S. Robinson, (1829–1899)