A CERTAIN RATE -- Monday:
The supply of manna to the wandering Israelites is one of the great occurrences of Scripture. It was a miraculous supply during impossible circumstances. When the Lord said He would "rain bread from heaven," He did not mean it would be ready to eat. It came in a form resembling a "coriander seed," and had to be processed in order to be eaten. It could be either "baked" or "boiled" (Ex 16:23).
The Lord did not simply dump an indiscriminate quantity on the camp, but delivered it in direct proportion to their need. In fact, each household was to gather only what they required, allowing for one "omer" for each person in the house (Ex 16:16). An "omer" is defined as "the tenth part of an ephah" (Ex 16:36), and was equivalent to 5.1 pints, or a little over ½ gallon. This was to be gathered every day but the Sabbath, "according to every man's eating," or the number of persons dwelling in his tent (Ex 16:16). The manna could not be gathered in large quantities and kept for several days, reducing the number of times required to gather it. Should anyone choose to do this, the manna bred worms and began to stink, as some soon found out (Ex 16:19). Further, they had to eat ALL the manna, leaving no part of it (Ex 16:19).
There was also a supernatural provision in this arrangement. Everyone in the household obviously did not have the same degree of need, yet by apportioning an omer for each person, God actually took care of everyone. It is written, "So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one's need" NKJV (Ex 16:18). Thus, in gathering "a certain rate," systematically and every day, the need of everyone was met. Life was sustained by regular gleaning and eating.
A Divine principle may be seen here. One of the great secrets to spiritual nourishment is gathering "at a certain rate." By that, I do not mean spending a certain amount of time, or going through a particular discipline. That is not what "certain rate" meant in our text. It denoted what was needed, or required. There are certain things that are required if spiritual life is to be sustained. Such things as grace, peace, joy, etc., are essential to living in Christ. But none of those things can be gathered in a single large quantity, then stored up for later use. Just as left over manna rotted, so left over graces that are not used wither away. That is why you cannot live today on yesterday's benefits. Too, you cannot live unto the Lord if you fail to daily gather from Him what is needed to do precisely that.
If you are discerning, you will see the truth of this in your own life. If you neglect the daily gathering of your spiritual food, you will not be able to walk in the Spirit daily. Life in Christ cannot be lived on a cyclical basis: i.e., now and then, or only when a crisis arises. The mercies of God are "new every morning" (Lam 3:22-23). However, if they are not gathered daily, in accordance with your need, they will not sustain you. Take advantage of "daily" benefits (Psa 68:19).
PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise and thank You through Jesus for so graciously meeting my need. Grant me continued grace to gather and eat what you supply every day.