Devotion
Where is our manna from Heaven?
David Jacobs
One thought that I have often had when reading the Bible is what I would do if I were in the place of several of the most famous characters. How could Thomas doubt Jesus so much if he was with him all the time? How could Judas betray Jesus if he bore witness to so many miracles? Why would the followers of Moses not be willing to do anything that he asked considering all the things that he had clearly done for them? Certainly I would be different! If only God would give me a sign as strong as He gave to them, then I would be more certain. Then, if only then, I would know how to behave!
I may have acted differently than certain characters in the Bible. In fact, I may have acted better than them at times. However, what selfishness I display when demanding a sign similar to theirs! Is my own life not a sign enough? Is my relationship with God not sign enough? Jesus Christ was sent to Earth to live amongst us and died so that we could be forgiven. If I need a stronger sign than that, I am not sure what I would have done differently than even the most selfish characters in the Bible.
Manna was sent from Heaven to Earth in the Bible. We have our manna: Jesus Christ. Just as sustenance was sent for the disciples of Moses, Jesus was sent so that we may all be his disciples. He is our sustenance, our sign, our manna. Doubt leads to hunger and belief leads to nourishment. We have many characters with which to compare ourselves, but ultimately the choice is ours.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I wish to thank you for the host of characters in the Bible that have helped feed my faith and assist me on my journey. Without them, seeing both the quality of their triumphs and the depths of their falls, I and other Christians, would not have the same relationship with you that we do today. Permit me Christ Almighty, to eat from your word, and drink from your truth. With your permission, I ask to be filled with your word, so that I will never be hungry. I pray this in your name, knowing that you have sacrificed your body and blood so that I may be sustained. Amen.
Devotion
The First Fruits
Frances Taylor
In addition to the commandments, the Lord gave the people rules to live by that included dietary laws, laws concerning the various feasts that would offer blessings to God and ways of treating people that probably sound pretty strange to us today. But let's consider this one. Why do you think God is asking for the first fruits of the first harvest in the new land? To me, this is asking for a sign of gratitude for all that the Lord had done for them. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt, guided them through the desert, fed them during their journey, made sure they had water to drink and now is bringing them to a new land so that they can live in freedom. Think back to the story of Cain and Abel and their offerings. Abel offered the best of his harvest; Cain doesn't seem to have done the same. Offering sacrifice was a long-standing tradition at that time, in that culture. It would seem to be the natural thing to do. What are we asked to sacrifice ...
Morning Prayer
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Inspiration
The scribes could only teach in the synagogue saying, "the Scripture says this or that" or "the rabbis say such and such, " but Jesus taught as one having personal authority. He was not a mere scribe, nor even only a prophet, but the very Son of God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the authoritative Son of God, and your Word is Law. You bring us the Words of the Father and you are the Word of the Father. We know that you have the Words of Life, and that salvation is to be found in no other. Help us to pay careful attention to your Words and teachings, knowing from whom they come. Amen.
