How can we apply Exodus 16:20 to our daily reliance on God? The Context of Exodus 16:20 “But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.” (Exodus 16:20) - God literally caused manna to appear each dawn. - The rule: gather only enough for the day (except before the Sabbath). - Trying to stockpile brought instant decay, dramatizing daily trust. Why God Allowed the Manna to Rot - To show that security rests in Him, not leftovers. - To expose fear-driven self-reliance. - To form a habit of meeting with Him every morning for fresh provision. Timeless Principles for Us - Dependence is daily; yesterday’s grace won’t carry today’s load. - Obedience precedes insight; God’s commands always prove wise. - Hoarding often signals mistrust. - Fresh mercies await each dawn. Putting It into Everyday Life • Begin each morning with Scripture before screens—receive today’s “manna.” • Refuse to borrow tomorrow’s worries; manage only today’s assignments. • Share resources instead of stockpiling; trust God to refill. • When anxiety spikes, recount specific ways God provided yesterday. • Keep a Sabbath rhythm; plan for rest as Israel saved a double portion. • Declutter unused items or draining commitments that are “rotting.” • End the day thanking God for all He supplied in these 24 hours. Supporting Scriptures Matthew 6:11: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” A Closing Thought Self-reliance spoils like yesterday’s manna, but faith in the LORD never stales. Greet each sunrise expecting new mercies from the God who still supplies daily bread. |
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