The Lodestar

We should enjoy God’s blessings and commit them to our memory to lead a life of gratitude to God. The provision of Manna was totally unique in the entire Bible. It was a mystery to the people, prompting them to ask, “what is this” (MA NA in Hebrew), and thus, it was named. This distinct provision holds a special place in biblical history. Manna was a daily provision that lasted for the forty years of their wilderness wandering and stopped the day they tasted the fruit of the promised land (Josh 5:12). It came with a 24-hour “use before date,” since it would spoil if kept overnight. However, whatever they collected on the day before Sabbath had a 48-hour expiry date, a special provision for the Sabbath when they were not allowed to go out. This exception ensured they had enough food to sustain them through the Sabbath, a day of rest and reflection. This heavenly food given to mortals (John 6:31) is not just sustenance but a profound symbol of God’s care for his people. Its 24-hour lifespan was designed to keep God’s provision fresh in their minds, a daily reminder that God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lam 3:23), a testament to the depth of God's love. However, God’s provisions should not be forgotten. Hunger will drive us to look for food, but once satisfied, we forget what God has done. Since Manna is not just food that satisfies hunger but a symbol of God’s kind dealings with them, God asked Moses to keep a pot of Manna in the Ark of the Covenant by the side of the tablets of Ten Commandments. This was a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, symbolising the covenant between God and his people. Manna collected on Friday evening lasted through Saturday, but this pot of Manna would last as long as God’s eternal covenant with them. Manna, which symbolizes God’s provisions for us, should not be eaten and forgotten but cherished. By remembering and reflecting on God's past provisions, we can foster our love for God. Cherishing the memory of God's provisions can constantly remind us of his faithfulness and love, strengthening our relationship with him.