July 14, 2021

The One Day at a Time Principle

The way that God fed the children of Israel as they crossed the wilderness and headed for the Promised Land has an application for each of us. You will recall the miracles that occurred as the Israelites were leaving Egypt after four hundred years of slavery. The cloud by day and column of fire by night—the presence of God!—led and protected the large group of people. Then, when faced with being hemmed in next to the Red Sea with the Egyptian army coming in full force to recapture them, God sent an east wind and the sea parted so that the multitude could cross on dry land and escape from their pursuers. Shortly thereafter, there was complaining in the ranks:

“Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:3

In spite of the miracles that God had performed for every one of them to escape captivity, they evidently felt that God would abandon them. God heard their cries and sent sustenance to them in the form of bread (manna) and meat (quail). He met their needs but with a provision: that they gather each morning for that day’s needs and twice the amount on Preparation Day so that they would not labor on the Sabbath. As long as the Israelites followed God’s simple instructions, their needs were met.

This application applies to us this day. God meets our needs, and He does it daily. When you are faced with angst, worry, or concerns, remember that God’s provision is sufficient for today. There is no need to try to store up a long-term supply. It will not keep.

Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Exodus 16:20

But they found that when they followed the instructions that God had given through Moses and planned ahead to honor God’s Holy Day, the Sabbath day of rest, then the extra that was gathered on day six, later called Preparation Day, stayed fresh and worm-free to be enjoyed on day seven, the day of rest.

And so it was, on the sixth day, that they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. Then he said to them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’” So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink nor were there any worms in it. Exodus 16:22-24

Beloved, seek Him daily and prepare every week to honor His Holy Day, as He has instructed.

Blessed be the LORD, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah  Psalm 68:19