THE BREAD OF HEAVEN

Spread the love

I recently found myself thinking about the ways in which our Lord provides for us. It’s easy to focus on our needs—whether they’re physical, emotional, or spiritual—but we often forget the daily grace that sustains us. The story of manna in the wilderness is a powerful reminder of God’s provision, not just for the body but also for the soul. Let’s explore how the manna that fed the Israelites speaks to the provision that God offers us today and what we can learn from it, through Christ, the true Bread of Heaven.

Exodus 16:1-4

1And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

2And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

3And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

4Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:32-35)

In John 6, the Lord Jesus draws a parallel between Himself and the manna that the Israelites received in the wilderness. He calls Himself the “bread of life,” signifying that He is the true sustenance that comes from heaven. Just as the manna fed the Israelites, the Lord is the revelation of God to humanity—a spiritual sustenance that nourishes our spirits.

This heavenly manna is the Word of God: it’s a gift from heaven that nourishes us, sweet like honey in our mouths but bitter to live out, much like the bitter stomach felt by John in his vision in Revelation (Rev. 10:9-10). The Word of God, through Jesus, is our spiritual food—meant to strengthen and grow us in faith.

“Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.” (Exodus 16:4)

The Israelites were instructed to gather manna daily, except on the Sabbath. This teaches us an important spiritual principle—we need to receive God’s Word regularly. Just as the Israelites gathered manna each day, we too need fresh revelation from the Lord. It is our daily bread, and we cannot rely on yesterday’s provision.

The manna would rot if kept overnight, except for the Sabbath. In the same way, we should not be stagnant in our faith. Luke 8:16-18 reminds us that we must use what God has given us. When we receive revelation, we must live it out and share it with others. Only then will God give us more. “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” (Luke 8:18)

“And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.” (Exodus 16:13-14)

Manna was easily accessible to everyone. They didn’t have to journey far or struggle to obtain it—God brought it right to them. This is a beautiful picture of how God makes His Word accessible to us. Scripture is available, and revelation is at our fingertips if we are willing to receive it. The question is: Are you going to gather the manna that God provides today?

“And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.” (Exodus 16:21)

The Israelites gathered manna every morning, before the sun melted it away. Likewise, we should start each day with a fresh mind for the Word of the Lord. Morning devotion is a time to receive new revelations before the busyness of the day takes over. It’s a time to equip ourselves spiritually, just as the Israelites gathered their sustenance early in the day.

“And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.” (Exodus 16:17-18)

God’s provision is always enough. Those who gathered much had nothing extra, and those who gathered little had no lack. This reveals a profound truth: God gives each of us what we need. Whether we receive a lot of revelation or just a small portion, it will always be sufficient for us. Just as in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), God gives according to our ability.

Some sermons are long, but we may only glean a little from them. Other times, we may hear a brief message that fills us abundantly. It’s not about the quantity but the quality and relevance of what we receive for our current needs.

“Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.” (Psalm 78:25)

For forty years, the Israelites lived on manna while they wandered in the wilderness. David referred to it as the “bread of angels.” It provided all the nourishment they needed, and they lacked nothing. This points us to the sufficiency of Christ. If we are truly children of God, then we are heavenly people, and heavenly people need heavenly food. Yet many Christians are spiritually malnourished because they feed on earthly things instead of the Word of God.

The question for us today is: What are we feeding on? Are we consuming the temporary pleasures of this world, or are we feasting on the eternal Word of God?

Every day that the Israelites ate manna, they were reminded of God’s faithfulness and the promise of the land to come. Likewise, every time we consume God’s Word and receive revelation, we are given a taste of what is to come—our heavenly promise. As Paul writes, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

One day, our partial understanding will be made complete. Revelation 21:2-4 tells us of the day when the “tabernacle of God” will be with men, and He will dwell with us. Today, we taste the heavenly bread through His Word, but someday we will experience the fullness of His presence.

Manna was God’s daily provision for the Israelites—a tangible sign of His care and faithfulness. For us, the Lord Jesus is the true Bread of Heaven, and the Word of God is our spiritual manna. Just as the Israelites had to gather it daily, we must be diligent in feeding on God’s Word each day. He has made it accessible to us; it is our choice to gather it.

Let us remember that God’s Word is sufficient for all our needs. It nourishes, sustains, and points us toward the promises of God. May we never grow weary of gathering our daily bread, and may we always hunger for more of Him.

The manna has been laid before us. The question remains: Will you gather and eat today?