The story of manna in the wilderness reminds us of God's gracious provision for our physical needs. And it also foreshadows God's gracious provision for our SPIRITUAL needs. While Jesus was with his disciples, he declared HIS FLESH as the bread of life that came down from heaven. And those who eat his flesh and drink his blood, in the sacrament of Holy Communion Jesus instituted, will have Jesus abiding within them, and have the promise of eternal life.
So even in times of economic uncertainty, we have an answer to the question, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Each time we come away from the altar rail, having received the body and blood of Christ, our answer is an unequivocal “YES.” Yes, Jesus abides within us. Yes, Jesus guides us in our labours of producing the food and water and everything else we need. Yes, Jesus protects us from Satan's trap of slavery. Yes, Jesus makes it possible for us to have eternal life. The Lord IS among us, because look at how well he is providing for us.
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we repent of all those times we doubted or complained about your provision of our basic needs. Give us generous hearts to share the physical, and especially the spiritual gifts that you have given us, with those around us, in Jesus name, amen.