The Pot of Manna
The sermon 'The Pot of Manna' explores the significance of the manna in the wilderness and its connection to Jesus Christ, the Living Bread.
George Warnock delves into the significance of manna in the wilderness, highlighting how the people named it 'What is it?' as they did not fully understand its nature, but knew it was bread from heaven. He draws parallels to Jesus as the living bread from heaven, emphasizing the eternal life found in partaking of Him. The hidden manna in the holy of holies symbolizes the reserved blessings for the overcomers, echoing Jesus' promise in Revelation 2:17.
Text
When the manna fell in the wilderness, the people did not know what it was, and they asked one another, "What is it?... What is it?" And so that is what they named it; for "manna" simply means, "What is it?" Nobody in Israel could answer that question adequately. All they were to know was this: it was bread from heaven. Jesus alone could give the real answer: "I am the living bread 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" (Jn. 6:5 1). But the pot of manna was to be kept as a memorial. No one ate of this bread. And unlike the rest of the manna that fell around the camp, this bread did not go into corruption, or waste away. Laid away in the ark of the covenant it was to be kept throughout their generations. Israel had the manna-bread daily as it fell from heaven.
The priests had sabbath-bread which they ate weekly: the shewbread that had been on the table in the holy place throughout the previous six working days, but not eaten until the sabbath day.
But here in the holy of holies was "hidden manna." It was not available even to the priests. It was not seen by any mortal eye. It is a type of the Living Christ. It is bread that has been reserved for the overcomer. For Jesus said, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna" (Rev. 2:17).
Sermon Outline
- The Manna in the Wilderness
- What is the Manna?
- The People's Question
- The Answer from Jesus
Key Quotes
“It was bread from heaven.” — George Warnock
“I am the living bread 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” — George Warnock
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna” — George Warnock
Application Points
- Recognize God's provision and care for you in your life, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness.
- Seek spiritual nourishment and strength from Christ, the Living Bread.
- Remember that the overcomer will receive the hidden manna, reserved for those who persevere in their faith.