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Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Ps. 119: 108

 Exodus 16 describes the provision of manna while the Hebrews were wandering in the wilderness. The manna was like fine flakes on the ground and was left after the dew evaporated. God gave the manna as a means of testing the people to ensure that they walk according to in His instruction. The people were required to gather the manna daily. It did not last from day to day thus they had to go out daily. Gathering the manna required much work. People had to go out, bend over and gather the flakes of manna over a long period of time daily. Exodus 16:16-18 says, “¹⁶ This is what the Lord has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.’” ¹⁷ The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. ¹⁸ When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat.

This passage enunciates two separate principles: 1) God gave the Hebrews the gift of manna to feed them. However, obtaining the food required work and discipline. The manna was a physical substance. In a similar way, God has given us the Bible for our spiritual sustenance. We must go to the word daily and gather our spiritual food (manna) from the Word of God. It is work to gather that food and requires obedience and time. 2) God knows how much time we have available to spend with Him. Note that he who gathered an abundance had enough and he who gathered little had enough to meet the needs of their family.

Notice also the manna covered the ground. In gathering the manna it would have been easy to gather dirt too.  As you read, make sure that what you gather has its foundation in the Bible, not in any worldly idea coming from outside the text of Scripture. Some people might say that any sort of devotional quiet time is equivalent to reading and meditating on Scripture.  If it’s not grounded in the Word of God, it is not sufficient. Psalm 40:7 says, “Behold I come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me.”  When reading the entire Bible we are exposed to the entire council of God. We need God’s entire council!

Conclusion

Hebrews: 4:12, 13 says “For the word of God is living and active sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit of joints and morrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before Him no creature is hidden but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. God is pleased with our obedience but also very unpleased with disobedience. Our regular time in His Word pleases Him greatly. It should be our goal to know and understand His word to the best of our ability while we’re on earth.