Devotion for October 15, 2008

The Day the Manna Stopped

 "Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year." (Joshua 5:10-12 NKJV)

 The manna stop the day it was no longer needed. Why did they not need it? God had fulfilled His promise and brought them into the Promised Land that flowed with milk and honey. Obviously there was abundance in this place where they had crossed the Jordan.

 Up to that point they looked to heaven for their daily provision. Believers today need to look to heaven for their daily provision. Israel entered an earthly land, but believers will enter a heavenly land. However, like their journey required nourishment so to the post resurrection believer.

 It's not wise to draw strict parallels between the nation Israel and the body of Christ because Israel was a mere picture of what God would fulfill in His Church. However, biblical examples abound. In fact, ". . . all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Corinthians 10:11 NKJV)

 What example can a believer take from this incident? God was faithful to provide all they needed until the entered the land. He will provide all that is needed for you until you enter the land. Do not be like Israel and become un-thankful, but learn to love the manna of His Word. Listen to the Psalmist.

 "The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. More to be desired [are they] than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, [And] in keeping them [there is] great reward. Who can understand [his] errors? Cleanse me from secret [faults]. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous [sins]; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalms 19:7-14 NKJV)