Manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) - Part 3

PART 2 pointed towards how we need to eat to live and yet we also live to eat. God's gift of life in Christ enables us ultimately to eat freely of the Bread of Life and know Him. Here is a short Part 3 on manna and its implications for spiritual disciplines.

PART 3: Manna and Spiritual Disciplines

From the study in PART 1, We see that manna humbled and yet raised up a humiliated Israel. It disciplined and yet liberated Israel; it was work and yet rest; it put to death the old way of life and characterised a new way of life for Israel. By journeying towards the Promised Land, Israel was also learning by trial-and-error to walk obediently in God’s law; and they did not walk alone, for God was present, healing (cf. Ex 15:26) and nourishing them. 

The element of discipline in the manna story impresses upon us that it matters how Christians consume the Bread of life. It should be consumed as a daily staple – received by faith; ruminated upon with gratitude and wonder; and allowed to permeate and order every part of our lives so that healing and nourishment may be effected. This highlights the importance of spiritual disciplines, as they orientate us toward receiving Bread intentionally and regularly. Since the unity and well-being of the Church hinge on the spiritual well-being of the individual members of the Body, it is pertinent that each member is faithful in this daily consumption and influences other members to be faithful to consume. One also “gathers” responsibly, in consideration for other members – not hindering another or selfishly hoarding without the intention to share.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul cites Exodus 16:18 in his passionate exhortation to the Corinthian Christians to give generously - and thus, share their abundance with those in need - so that "whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack" (2 Cor 8:15). To excel in giving, an act of grace (2 Cor 8:7) rooted in love, must then also be a sort of discipline that Christians should give themselves to cheerfully. I love what the Bible says about the fruits of engaging willingly in such a discipline:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (ESV, emphasis mine) ~

^"6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. ⁹As it is written, 

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

¹⁰He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. ¹²For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. ¹³By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, ¹⁴while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"

Do stay tuned for PART 4: Manna, Community and the Eucharist.