Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
There's a repeated pattern in Exodus of the people complaining about how hard their lives are, and God stepping in to correct them or rescue them. It's as though they have to learn, after all their years of slavery, how to live as free people.
This is one of these times. They complain that Moses and Aaron have brought them out into the desert to starve them to death. God provides for them with a huge flock of quails and 'manna'. Plant experts and biologists have come up with various candidates for this strange 'bread of heaven'. In the story, though, the point is that God did for the people what they couldn't do for themselves. They have not been brought into the desert to die, but to live.
Our own desert experiences can be very hard. Like the ancient Israelites, we see no hope of things getting better. But when we most need it, there is often some unexpected nourishment or blessing.
A detail of the story is worth noticing. The manna is given day by day – like the 'daily bread' for which Jesus taught his disciples to pray. If it's kept for longer, it goes rotten. There is a lesson here about a continuing trust in God which is renewed day by day – again, reinforced by Jesus' command not to 'store up riches for yourself here on earth' (Matthew 6.19). A blessing kept too long can become a curse.
God, thank you that you never abandon me, even in the desert times. Help me to look for your provision and recognise your blessings, trusting you day by day for what I need.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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