Abundant Provision

Manna. We don't know exactly what it was, but God's Word tells us that it came from His hand and was nourishing and satisfying for the hungry Israelites in the wilderness.


"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day...' The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Moses said, 'This is what the Lord has commanded: Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.'" (Exodus 16:4, 31-32)


At that time, God's provision for His people was not extravagent. It was a wafer--bread from heaven that appeared every morning like dew on the grass. "Men ate the bread of angels; He sent them all the food they could eat." (Psalm 78:25). Though His provision was simple, it was sufficient for their nourishment. God provided what His people needed to survive.


I thought about manna as I explored the "shuk" last Friday.




The shuk is a huge, open-air market in the heart of downtown Jerusalem. It is a delightful (if not a bit chaotic) circus of fresh produce, meat, baked goods, spices, and the characters who sell them. Like any good circus, the shuk is constantly in motion and abounding with vibrant sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Look in one direction and your eyes are treated to a splendid array of colorful spices. Walk just a few steps and the waft of freshly baked pita and challah bread stops you dead in your tracks...but only for a few seconds before the hustle and bustle of eager shoppers and sellers moves you forward. Turn in another direction and you can't help but be drawn to the beautiful fruits and vegetables. It is a marvelous circus for the senses.


As I take it all in, I can't help but say out loud to my companions, Billie and Cybil, "Isn't God good?!" He doesn't have to lay out such an incredible smorgasbord. Simple manna would serve us well and be sufficient provision from His hand. And yet, He spoils us with a lavish feast of tastes, textures, colors, and smells... not because He has to, but because He wants to. Like any good father,our Father in Heaven delights in pouring out His abundance on us.




"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting." Psalm 118:1




Thank you Lord!