Exodus 16:4 Then said the LORD to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you… I. PHYSICAL BLESSINGS ARE GIVEN TO SUPPLY OUR WANTS. 1. This provision was providential. God's hand directs the movements of the tiniest creatures in the universe. He clothes the grass, and paints the flower. 2. This provision was abundant. There was enough for each man, woman, and child. (1) The supply was varied — bread and meat. (2) The supply was regular — morning and evening. (3) The supply was constant "They did eat manna for forty years." God's least thought is more prolific than man's greatest abundance. Nature is the expression of God's fulness. II. PHYSICAL BLESSINGS ARE GIVEN TO DEVELOP OUR ENERGIES. 1. The blessings of lifo must be secured by diligent application. "Go out and gather." No prize is beyond the reach of the earnest worker. 2. The blessings of life must be sought in a patient spirit. "A certain portion every day." We want to accumulate the treasures of life quickly, to provide in youth for age, and retire upon our gains. God does not forbid prudence, foresight; but He sometimes overturns our plans, and sends day by day our daily bread. To the anxious, fearful soul, He says, "Gather," "Trust." III. PHYSICAL BLESSINGS ARE GIVEN TO TEST OUR OBEDIENCE. "That I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or no." God has many ways of testing the sincerity of His people. He proves them by poverty, affliction, persecution, and prosperity. He spreads our tables with dainties, and says, I will test their love, and liberality, and devotion. 1. The recipients of material possessions often hoard their wealth. Hoarded wealth never satisfies the possessor. It begets selfishness, fear, unrest, and disappointment. 2. The recipients of material possessions often squander their wealth. (J. T. Woodhouse.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. |
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