Scripture

So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only gathered a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.

Observation

In the wilderness the Lord provided the food that was needed.

In the mornings, a flaky substance called “manna” appeared with the dew. Each evening, quails flew into the camp.

Regardless of how much manna people collected, there was always enough. Those who tried to hoard the manna for the next day found that it went putrid.

On the day before the Sabbath, they were told to collect twice as much. They could keep the extra for the next day, because on the Sabbath no manna appeared.

Application

The Lord always provides for His people. Not too much, not too little, and always at the right time.

The provision of manna was a miracle that cannot be explained by natural means. It came each and every day, except for the Sabbath. It lasted only a day, except on the Sabbath.

When we put our trust in God rather than in our career, our income and our bank balance, we find that in God there is always enough.

He takes us close to the line at times, sometimes right to zero, but He provides all that we need as long as we are trusting Him.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the knowledge that in you there is always enough. Help me to trust you for that next bill to be paid, and to thrive in your gracious provision. Amen.

Scripture

“If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, doing what is right in his sight and obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not send any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians for I am the Lord who heals you.”

Observation

The Lord leads the people away from the Red Sea and into the desert. After three days without water, they come to an oasis. The water is bitter, and the people start complaining. The Lord shows Moses a piece of wood to be thrown into the water, and the water becomes fit to drink.

While they are camped there, the Lord tells them that if they are faithful to Him and keep His commandments, He will keep them free from disease, for He is the Lord who heals.

Application

One of the seven covenant names which the Lord reveals to Israel is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals.

The Lord is a healer because of His nature, not just because He chooses to do so. God is love and He is life, so naturally He will heal His beloved people.

Note the condition though. We need to walk in fellowship and obedience to God. While it is true that God does heal people who do not know Him, we need to remember that our health is dependent on our walk with God. Generally speaking, you cannot deliberately and wilfully sin against God and then expect Him to make you better.

I once heard a testimony of God healing a heavy smoker from lung cancer. He was told at the time that he needed to give up the cigarettes to maintain his healing. He did not heed the warning, and the cancer returned.

We need to develop a sense of thankfulness to the Lord for our good health, for answered prayers and for the amazing skill and knowledge of medical practitioners.

All of these things are a gift from Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the amazing promise of healing and health for those who obey you. I ask now for wholeness in my body, my mind and my spirit. Amen.