Exodus 16:32
“Then Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”
The Lord is seeking to memorialize the manna provision. It was a miracle. He provided food for approximately three million people for 40 years. They were to look back and remember it.
Countries make holidays out of things that are valued: Thanksgiving Day, MLK Jr. Day, Independence Day, and so on. It’s more than a day off work, but it’s one way values are passed down.
God’s provision is such a value. He wanted Israel to know that He has provided and will provide for them. David took this national example and personalized it. God not only provides and cares for countries, but for individuals. The 23rd Psalm is such a beautiful example of God’s relationship to us. David was a special person in God’s eyes. He was a man after the heart of God, 1 Samuel 13:14. This was God’s revelation of Himself becoming more specific. He seemed distant and unapproachable in the time of the Exodus. Through David, we learn that He wants to be known by each of us. God’s lesson of provision is to be expected by all that trust in Him. This isn’t being presumptuous. It’s His promise.
We are to remember this example as well as others. In the New Testament Jesus instituted communion. This ritual causes us to remember the cross, the price that was paid and the great gift of reconciliation that was gained.
We also have things in our own lives that we should memorialize. The day we came to Christ, personal lows and highs. I can recall being very depressed one night. I was in my 20’s and I felt desperate. I can recall being on my knees in the dark. That was near 30 years ago, yet it sticks out. God turned that around. That is something that I give thanks for. There are times when events happen for our children. Similar lows and highs. Circumstances that change the course of their lives. We need to memorialize these.
Lord, thank You for all the great things You’ve done for us as people and all the personal works You do in us as individuals. Help us to remember these and to give thanks.