Bible Pathways - Feb. 17, 2009
February 17
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Canaan is in sight! Hallelujah! Onward to victory! In this time of anticipation, all Israel has to do was trust God and move forward in conquest of Canaan. But, lusting for flesh to eat, then once again they murmur and failure is inevitable (11:4-34).
The full meaning for the word "manna" is as mysterious as the manna itself, for it can be interpreted as asking the question: "What is it?" — or as "a gift" — or "it is a portion," of what God has appointed. The manna was as coriander seed . . . and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it (11:7-9).
A remarkable thing about the manna was that this miraculous food had to be gathered daily (except on the Sabbath), for it could not be preserved from one day to the next. And there was a sufficient amount each day for the several million men, women, and children to eat and remain healthy.
The manna was symbolic of Christ Jesus — the true Bread from Heaven. Jesus said: Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world . . . I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. . . . For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. . . . And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day. . . . I am that Bread of Life. . . . which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . This is that Bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this Bread shall live for ever (John 6:32-33,35,38-40,48-58).
The Word was with God, and the Word was God (1:1). We must read the Bible daily if we are to receive spiritual insight and strength for the day. Past blessings in reading the Word are not sufficient to satisfy today's spiritual needs.
Jesus revealed that He was not only the True Bread, but said: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word tha proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
Thought for Today:
Past blessings are enjoyable to remember. But, just as the manna was new each day, so should the blessings and experiences that we have with God be.
Christ Revealed:
The two trumpets were made of silver (Num. 10:2). Silver in the Bible stands for truth and also for redemption (1/2 shekel paid to Tabernacle/Temple — Ex. 38:25-26) — Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of it (Matt. 26:15). Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).
Word Studies:
10:10 solemn days =appointed feasts (festivals); 10:14 standard =banner; 10:21 against they came =in anticipation of their arrival; 10:25 rereward =rear guard; 11:4 fell a lusting =had greedy desires; 11:6 is dried away =is dissatisfied; 11:10 was kindled =exceedingly angry; 11:11 burden =responsibility; 11:13 flesh =meat; 11:15 out of hand =killing me at once; 11:18 sanctify =consecrate to God; 11:20 loathsome =offensive, detestable; 11:22 suffice =be enough; 11:30 gat =returned.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by William H. Lupton • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA), Rep. Jim Jordan (OH), Rep. William (Bill) Sali (ID), and Sen. Craig Thomas (WY) • Country: Benin (6 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Some hostility toward Christians • 59% animism and voodoo; 17% Muslim; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in secret before God, not seeking human praise (Matt. 6:6).
Optional Reading: Luke 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9
