The Essential Jesus (Part 3): Previews of a SaviorSample

True Bread

PRAY: Heavenly Father, you know so much is on my mind today, but I want to stop and thank you for the good things you've done in my life.

READ: Exodus 16:1-35

REFLECT: When I was growing up, our family went on wonderful vacations. No matter how good the vacation had been, the journey home was always a challenge–being cooped up for a long time in a station wagon sometimes caused my three siblings and me to fuss and fight, much to my parent's frustration. That's what happens in this passage.

God miraculously took the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 12:31-42) and through the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17--14:31), but the long journey through the desert caused them to have a family meltdown over food. Note that the word grumble is mentioned seven times in the first eleven verses of this chapter. No wonder Moses finally blew his stack (Exodus 16:20)! Even when we face a legitimate problem in our families, workplaces, or churches, grumbling and complaining won't improve things.

God seems to look past the bickering of his people and again miraculously provides for them. First, he gets their attention with an awesome display of his glory (v. 10); then, he delivers the food they were yelping for (vv. 13-15). It's encouraging that God uses the Israelites' moment of weakness as an opportunity to help them grow (v. 4). Thank God he doesn't wait for us to be perfect before he helps us.

Embedded in this desert travelogue is another sign pointing to the Savior. In the New Testament, when the religious leaders demanded a miracle on demand, Jesus pointed to this passage in Exodus as his answer (John 6:25-59). First, he cleverly scolded his accusers to "stop grumbling" (John 6:43), a reference they would not have missed. Then he got to the main point: just as God provided manna to meet the physical need of people, so he, Jesus, was the "true bread" who satisfied the ultimate need of all people- the need for a restored and eternal relationship with God (John 6:48-51). That is Jesus' greatest miracle, and he offers it to you.

APPLY: Where are you today in your journey with Jesus?

PRAY: Forgive me, Lord, for the times I grumble about things in my life. Help me focus on the big picture of how you've blessed me.