Exodus 16 (Continued)
“THIS IS the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your peons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.” verse 16. It would seem that the head of each home was responsible to provide manna for each member of the household. Here then is a special message for parents, and more particularly for fathers, to observe.
There is no better way of carrying this out than in providing spiritual food daily for all in the home — from the youngest to the eldest. Faithful daily reading the Word and prayer are certain to have a good effect. In connection with this, we notice another point: “He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.” verse 18. God saw the varied circumstances of all the families in Israel and provided according to their individual need. Perhaps some with large families might have more difficulty than others in gathering a full measure for each, whereas the others might find no difficulty in securing an over-abundant supply. But God assured them that regardless of the circumstances wherever there was faithfulness, there would be a sufficient supply for anyone, nor would any go to waste.
Perhaps a Christian might feel he is not able to gather from the Scriptures as much as another. Well, God knows about the need and limitations and in effect says: “You gather and I will bless it according to your eating.”
But it is the responsibility of parent to discern the different needs of those to whom he brings the truth of the Word. Wisdom, patience and simplicity are required with the little ones, whereas the older members of the family should be able to accept deeper truths. “For every over that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:13,14.
In gathering the double provision of manna on the sixth day, so there would be enough for the sabbath day, our thoughts are carried on to eternity and the rest of God. Whatever we gather of Christ for our souls down here becomes our eternal possession and delight. Let us gather as much as we may, two omers instead of one; if it is kept for the rest that remaineth for the people of God, it will be a source of strength and joy through all eternity.
As remarked before, there was to be no gathering of manna on the sabbath. And so in eternity the time for gathering of the manna will be forever past. Christ will never more be apprehended in that character; for there the wilderness will then have forever passed away. What they collected in the desert may still be enjoyed; but there will be no more to be gathered.
Nevertheless the Lord told Moses to put an omer full of manna within a golden pot, and lay it up before the Lord, and to the overcomer in Revelation 2:17 the Lord promised, “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” Thus Christ in His humiliation will never be forgotten, but always remembered, and gratefully fed upon by His people throughout eternity.
ML-10/26/1969