May 8

"Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day." — Exodus 16:4.

THE things that occurred in the history of the Israelites were designed for our instruction and improvement. From this miraculous provision made by the Almighty for them, let us make three observations.

IN TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES WE SHOULD TRUST IN GOD. As soon as the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, and escaped Pharaoh and his hosts, who were drowned, and while the last notes of the triumphant song of Moses, celebrated on that occasion, had scarcely died away on their ears, they murmured; how much better would it have been if they had prayed? But have we not been thus guilty? Though we have been the recipients of numerous bounties, have we not said in a murmuring tone, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" How well may he address us, "O ye of little faith!"

WHERE WE CANNOT LAY UP IN STORE, WE MUST BE CONTENT WITH DAILY SUPPLIES. The camps of the Israelites were cleared of the manna in the evening, not a crumb was to be left, and they were to lie down at night, reposing on the providential care of God; thus they were taught a lesson of continual dependence. Have we learnt this, and do we feel it when we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread"?

THE GIUTS OF PROVIDENCE DO NOT SUPERSEDE HUMAN EXERTIONS. The manna fell from heaven, but not into their tents or into their mouths — there was room for their diligence and industry in gathering it. Naaman was commanded to go and wash in Jordan before he could be healed. Peter's draught of fishes must be dragged to shore. Saul of Tarsus must go to Ananias to be taught. If in miracles room was left for exertion, how much more under ordinary circumstances in life?