Exploring the Text: God's blessings in a new land
This passage marks the beginning of a new era for the children of Israel. They were finally home in the land that God had promised them. The forty year trek across the desert was finished; Passover was celebrated. The day after Passover, the manna from Heaven ceased. Did this mean that God was no longer providing for them? Let’s look at this important lesson about God’s provision here.
Over several years of being a Christian and serving in ministry, I have heard people refer to manna from heaven. It is as if to say that God can supply our needs just like He did the Children of Israel. After all, they just had to go outside and get their needs for the day. However, I have never seen this blessing, except for in Scripture. I have never walked outside and found the money for my monthly bills just laying on the ground. I had to get a job and earn an income. When I got groceries for my home, I had to go shopping, and then pay for them.
So does God provide for His people? Absolutely, He certainly does. Did God provide the needs of the Isdraelites in their new land? Of course He did. They were in a land flowing with milk and honey (Joshua 5:6).
Manna was provided for God’s people in the middle of a unique situation. It was a particular blessing for a particular need. They were unable to grow and prepare their own food because they were traveling. They were being obedient to God and He was being faithful to meet their needs. Since they were now in their new home, the manna ceased. They were now able to (and expected to) grow and prepare food and God would bless it with bounty.
God treats us in the same way. When we put our faith into action, God responds. If we need income, the first thing to do is to get a job, then God continues to bless our finances. When we need food, it is our responsibility to go get it, and then God blesses it. Needing something in the spiritual realm works the same. Read the Word of God, pray and fast, and God will reward the effort by meeting and exceeding your need (Ephesians 3:20). When we take a step toward God, He will take a step toward us (James 4:8a).
Let’s be diligent in our relationship with God and He will be faithful to us in a big way.
Rick Heinrich
This passage marks the beginning of a new era for the children of Israel. They were finally home in the land that God had promised them. The forty year trek across the desert was finished; Passover was celebrated. The day after Passover, the manna from Heaven ceased. Did this mean that God was no longer providing for them? Let’s look at this important lesson about God’s provision here.
Over several years of being a Christian and serving in ministry, I have heard people refer to manna from heaven. It is as if to say that God can supply our needs just like He did the Children of Israel. After all, they just had to go outside and get their needs for the day. However, I have never seen this blessing, except for in Scripture. I have never walked outside and found the money for my monthly bills just laying on the ground. I had to get a job and earn an income. When I got groceries for my home, I had to go shopping, and then pay for them.
So does God provide for His people? Absolutely, He certainly does. Did God provide the needs of the Isdraelites in their new land? Of course He did. They were in a land flowing with milk and honey (Joshua 5:6).
Manna was provided for God’s people in the middle of a unique situation. It was a particular blessing for a particular need. They were unable to grow and prepare their own food because they were traveling. They were being obedient to God and He was being faithful to meet their needs. Since they were now in their new home, the manna ceased. They were now able to (and expected to) grow and prepare food and God would bless it with bounty.
God treats us in the same way. When we put our faith into action, God responds. If we need income, the first thing to do is to get a job, then God continues to bless our finances. When we need food, it is our responsibility to go get it, and then God blesses it. Needing something in the spiritual realm works the same. Read the Word of God, pray and fast, and God will reward the effort by meeting and exceeding your need (Ephesians 3:20). When we take a step toward God, He will take a step toward us (James 4:8a).
Let’s be diligent in our relationship with God and He will be faithful to us in a big way.
Rick Heinrich