Some are obsessed with accumulating wealth. Others seem determined to do as little as possible. God wants a balance.
We work for God—and we rest for God. He should be our focus.
When the Israelites left Egypt and marched into the desert, they composed the largest exodus in history—between 1 and 5 million people! Imagine what that many people passing by would do to the land, crops, water supply, and wild game. And this was the desert; a family of four would struggle to stay fed and hydrated. Only God could outfit a walking nation.
And He did. He miraculously provided water and food.
The rules were these: gather only as much manna as you need each day. Do NOT try to save it overnight. If you do, it will spoil and fill with worms. But on Friday, the rules change: God will provide extra so you can gather enough for two days, and it will NOT spoil overnight. Then on the Sabbath (Saturday), God will send no manna, and you will eat only what you have saved.
“The Lord has given you the Sabbath, therefore on the sixth day He will give you two days’ worth of bread” Exodus 16:29.
For FORTY YEARS the Israelites had to gather manna six days a week, but could NOT gather on the Sabbath. Those who may have hoped to get rich—to work extra and save a pile of treasure—could not. The manna spoiled and their efforts were thwarted. But those who were lazy and would not gather enough for two days had nothing to eat on Saturday.
Manna teaches us about work and about money: we should work hard six days a week. Don’t be lazy! Get up and hustle! Be industrious. Use your talents, skills, and gifts. Improve. Make a difference. Then shut it down on the Sabbath. Serve the Lord and give your mind and body a break from the struggles of the week. Stop working on that day and trust your PROVIDER to provide.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 