"And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them." (Nehemiah 9:15)
Certainly, Manna was heavenly food, for that is where it came from, it fell from the sky above and settled on the ground below. It was precision delivery of their daily bread, right to their feet! A totally miraculous and mysterious morning provision.
The Manna which formed the food in the wilderness for the People of God was similar in some respects to the Bread of Life our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. MANNA CAME DIRECT FROM HEAVEN, it came into the camp, it was only for these people, and they alone would eat it. The Lord Jesus the free gift of the Father’s sovereign love and mercy (John 3:16) came from Heaven to save His people from perishing in the wilderness. (John 6:31)
2. MANNA WAS WHITE IN COLOUR (Numbers 11:7) speaking of the unblemished purity of Jesus. We remember that even Pilate could find no fault at all in the Saviour’s life (Luke 23:4)
3. MANNA WAS ROUND IN SHAPE. (Exodus 16:14) signifying the Eternity of the Lord Jesus, of which the circle, having neither beginning nor end. Perfect shape and perfection of form.
4. MANNA WAS SMALL IN SIZE. (Exodus16:14), here we can see the great humility of the Lord Jesus, who was totally despised (Isaiah 53:3) and He humbled Himself. (Philippians 2:8)
5. MANNA LAY ON THE GROUND. (Exodus16:14) So Jesus Christ came so low to come within reach of those who were low; and was obedient unto death for them. (Philippians 2:8)
6. MANNA HAD TO BE SOUGHT FOR. (Exodus 16:15) The people had to rise up early to seek and collect it. Manna was not to be ignored or trampled on. (Proverbs 9:17) (Hebrews 10:29) Two enlightening verses. Manna was to found by those humble enough to seek it and the Lord Jesus is to be found by all who sincerely seek Him.
7. MANNA WAS FOUND UNDER THE DEW. The dew represents the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit. It is always under the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit that we find a precious Lord and Saviour. There is no other way.
8. MANNA HAD TO BE EATEN. (Exodus 16:15) So too believers partake of the Lord, in doing so receive strength and life. “Eat the Bread” as often as you can.
9. MANNA FELL DAILY. (Exodus 16:21) It was not for storage or keeping safe. It was for eating the same day as it came from heaven for them. (2 Corinthians 5:7) (Galatians 2:20)
10. MANNA WAS THE ONLY MEANS OF LIFE. All through the wilderness journey. There is no other Name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. (Acts 4:12).
