The Daily Devotional
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Manna in the Wilderness
When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.” (Exodus 16:15)
Introduction
Exodus 16:15 reads, "When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, 'It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.'" This passage marks a critical point in the journey of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, reliant on God's provision for survival.
Reflection
The story of the Israelites receiving manna from heaven is a powerful reminder of God's providence and presence in times of uncertainty and need. This narrative finds a poignant echo in the recent miraculous survival of four siblings who endured forty days in Colombia’s Amazon jungle following a plane crash in June 2023.
Just as the Israelites faced the harsh conditions of the desert, these siblings confronted the overwhelming challenges of the jungle. Alone, likely scared, and without a clear path forward, their situation mirrors the bewilderment and reliance on divine aid that the Israelites experienced.
Imagine the siblings, each day rising to the unknown, surrounded by the dense and perilous jungle, much like the Israelites looked upon the wilderness each morning. In their journey, each found sustenance and survival — not in the form of manna, but through the natural resources around them, symbolizing the bread from heaven. Their resilience and the seemingly miraculous nature of their survival can be seen as modern-day manna, a testament to the unexpected ways God provides for us in our wilderness periods.
Application
This story compels us to reflect on our own 'wilderness experiences' — times when we feel lost, challenged, or overwhelmed. Like the Israelites and the four siblings, these are the moments when we are called to trust in God’s provision. We learn that sustenance comes in many forms — sometimes as physical nourishment, sometimes as strength, courage, or a newfound resilience that we did not know we possessed.
Conclusion
The tale of the siblings in the Amazon and the ancient story of manna in the wilderness both teach us about the unexpected ways God meets our needs. As we face our own trials, may we open our eyes to the 'manna' that falls in our lives, often in unlooked-for places and forms.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant presence and provision in our lives. Like the Israelites in the desert and the siblings in the jungle, help us to recognize Your hand in all things, trusting that You will provide for our needs in every wilderness we face. Teach us to see Your manna in our everyday lives and give us the strength to continue our journeys with faith. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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