Devotion:
Read Exodus 16:22-30.
Shortly after crossing the Red Sea and witnessing the destruction of Pharaoh’s armies, the Israelites entered the vast desert wilderness. Within days the food supply they brought from Egypt was exhausted. The Israelites began all manner of grumbling and complaining to Moses. However, God was a step ahead of them, promising to send manna to nourish and sustain them for as long as they were in the wilderness. But God had one condition. He would provide the manna only six days out of every seven. On the sixth day there would be twice as much as usual, but none on the seventh day, the Sabbath. They were to plan and prepare for day seven by collecting more manna on day six. They were to collect it, boil it, and bake it and then set it aside for the next day. God was teaching them an important lesson. He did not want them to work on the Sabbath, not even to cook food. God knew the busy routine of daily living could distract people from worshiping him. God wanted the people to trust him and follow his instructions each day for their needs. Resting on the Sabbath meant they needed to do a little extra work in order to prepare for a time to rest. The Lord’s provisions made rest possible. We may not eat manna today, but God still provides for our needs and expects us to make time to rest and worship him. Do you find it hard to slow down for Sabbath rest? What is the extra work you need to do to prepare for a time of rest and worship?
Personal Worship Option:
Just as God offered manna for the day for the Israelites, he offers us grace and strength for the day so that we can cope with whatever we will face. Thank God for meeting your daily needs and commit to daily quiet time to get your spiritual food for the day.
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