Left Til The Morning (Exodus 16:20)

 


Wednesday, April 30, 2025


Psalms 148; 149

Exodus 16:1-21

Luke 24:1-12


Left Til The Morning (Exodus 16:20)


But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.


Singing good hymns is really important for Christian discipleship. We can argue back and forth whether we should be singing along to a guitar or an organ and not really get anywhere. But the important bit is twofold: it should have a memorable tune and solid words.


And so when we read today’s first lesson about bread from heaven, do you start hearing the sounds of Welsh male voices off in the distance?


Jesus himself used today’s scene from Exodus to describe how we are to feed on him spiritually. Grumbling just as their ancestors did, his accusers demanded a sign, perhaps like Moses in the wilderness. In response, he preaches on how we are to feed on him spiritually in order to live forever; the manna in the wilderness, by contrast, was only temporal food.


How many self-help gurus do we have today, suggesting all sorts of ways we can finally be happy? And yet, in the morning, their advice breeds worms and begins to stink. Let us beware of internet psychologists, psychotherapists, and all other types of psycho who encourage us to find peace within ourselves. Our peace comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth; we feed on him daily in our hearts by faith and with thanksgiving. He is the bread of life; all those the Father gives him will come to him, and whoever comes to him will never be driven away. And behold, he is with us always.


Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hands
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me now and evermore, feed me now and evermore.


How do you feed on Christ spiritually? What voices in your life are trying to lead you elsewhere for spiritual sustenance?


Bread of heaven, water of life, Lord who heals us: forbid us from ever being distracted by the temporal so-called solutions of this world, that we may rest in that heavenly citizenship you have won for us on the cross.

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