I’m not sure how many of us missed the miracle that occurred in Exodus 16. I certainly missed it in my many readings. Alright, it’s not a miracle per se, but it really ought to be counted as such. Have you caught it as yet? It’s right there nestled in Today’s Holy Nougat™️
Exodus 16:17-18 CEVDCI
[17] They did as they were told. Some gathered more and some gathered less.
[18] Everyone had exactly what they needed, just the right amount.
They did as they were told
It’s kinda serious when one’s obedience is viewed as miraculous. While the term miracle is a bit exaggerated, we also acknowledge that the Children of Israel’s ‘war-boat’, murmuring mentality does not suggest that they would be obedient. But they were. Some even took less than the amount recommended, and it was still enough for them – perhaps even more than enough.
Siblings, permit me this step away from direct reflection on the text for a moment, as I introduce something that has been with me for a while. It dawned on me ever since we were querying the significance of the food and timings, that perhaps God was establishing a dietary routine that applies even today. Heavy protein in the evening, starches in the morning (when there’s time to use the energy it generates).
A dry measure was added: an ōmer, which is a tenth of an ephah. An ōmer equalled ~2.5 quarts/~2.3L or ~3.1lbs, which was the equivalent of one sheaf. That was the day’s portion for people who were walking for some serious distances daily. Given that they had nothing else to eat, it might not have been as much as it seems in our present time. We also note that some took less, each gathered only what was needed.
Self-Check
How much self-control do we exercise when we eat? And would we heed God’s directions on our diet?
Application
Siblings, in one sense, the amount of food they gathered and used was not important. What matters is their obedience – they did as they were told. Obeying YHWH in the daily food allotment suggested that they were willing to trust in God’s prescribed provision. They had no idea what this ‘bread’ would taste like or how to prepare it. The instructions from God were followed as given. And in their obedience, everyone had the right amount.
The Children of Israel’s obedience not only stands in stark contrast to their prior insubordination, but it also reminds us that a key element of our spiritual relationship with God is obedience. An obedience born of trust. In all situations where we seek God’s intervention – diets, wilderness wanderings, dealing with injustice, or the storms of life: indebtedness, disease, disaster, abuse, fear, or even dealing with the trauma of death – we can find our way when we obey God.
The question is, are we ensuring that we’re hearing YHWH or Y’shua’s voice guiding us on the daily requirements? If so, then we have no excuse for disobedience. If not, we need to check the voice that we’re hearing and obeying.
I would love to say that it is always a simple as it sounds. That’s what makes it a test. But we have a secret lifeline – we are all guided by God’s Spirit. So, will we also be registered in spiritual history – will it be said of us, they did as they were told?
Point to Ponder
If we are challenged with obedience, let’s ask Y’shua to show us where fear blocks faith, and invite God’s Spirit to clear the blockage.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
