Worry: Manna from Heaven

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for to morrow will be anxious for itself sufficient, for the day is its own trouble. Matthew six thirty four. Heavenly Father, you call us to a life of trust, free from the burdens of tomorrow's uncertainties. Lord, we acknowledge how easily anxiety can overwhelm our minds, distracting us from the peace and provision you offer every day. As we align closer with your will, we relieve our anxious need for control, decrease stress as we focus on your power. Calm our spirits as we rely on your spirit, shift our focus from our selfish thoughts to your divine will. Teach us to pray as a first response, not as a last resort. Help us to lay each worry at your feet as it arises, trusting that you are actively working on our behalf. Grant us the peace from casting all our anxieties on you, knowing you care deeply for us. May our daily walk be characterized by steadfast faith in your ability to handle all that troubles us. Remind us that each day is a gift, not to be clouded by future worries, but to be lived with joy, gratitude, and anticipation of the good things you have in store. In Jesus name, we find our comfort and our strength. Amen. Thank you for praying with me to day. This is the Jesus Podcast. Stick around for another gripping story of faith inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. If you've been a faithful follower of the Jesus Podcast, we'd like to sincerely thank you. We love crafting these stories and pray that they've blessed you. Jesus knew the frailty of humanity. He'd experienced it firsthand. He knew what it meant to be hungry. He knew what it meant to wonder about the future and plan for the days ahead. Needs abounded. But just because there were moments of lack in life didn't mean God wouldn't provide. 00:02:50 Speaker 2: Do not be anxious about your life. 00:02:53 Speaker 1: Jesus began his voice, echoing across the valley with love and grace. 00:02:59 Speaker 2: Do not be anxious about what you'll eat, what you'll drink, or even the clothes that you'll wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than your clothes. Look at the birds of the air. They don't sow or reap. They don't gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 00:03:21 Speaker 1: Jesus wanted to remind people that they were of great value to God. If they could understand that, then perhaps they would stop making decisions from a place of anxiety and worry. 00:03:36 Speaker 2: Consider this, how much of you have added a single hour to your span of life with worry? Has your anxiety added any positive value to your life? Think of the lilies of the fields. Think of how they grow. They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you even Solomon, in all of his glory, was not a like one of these lilies. If God clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow fades, will he not much more clothe you, oh you of little faith. Therefore, do not be anxious, saying what will we eat? What will we drink? 00:04:20 Speaker 3: What will we wear? 00:04:21 Speaker 2: The gentiles seek after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. 00:04:36 Speaker 1: The wind churned and Jesus smiled at his sheep. 00:04:41 Speaker 2: Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow. For tomorrow we'll worry about itself. We certainly have enough trouble for today as it is. 00:04:55 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing. It's not your feet, it's your shoes. 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We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today we turn our attention to a comforting and encouraging teaching from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapter six, verses twenty five through thirty four. This passage addresses the importance of trusting in God's provision and not being anxious about our needs. We will connect this teaching to the story of God providing manna in the wilderness found in Exodus chapter sixteen, to see how God's faithfulness in the past assures us of his provision. Today, together, we'll explore how to live a life free from anxiety, trusting holy in God's care. 00:06:57 Speaker 1: The sun hovered mercilessly over the world of sin. It's rays sapped the Israelites of their strength and resolve. Fifteen days after their salvation from Egypt, they found themselves trudging through the desert, overcome with hunger. 00:07:17 Speaker 6: We were kings in Egypt. Compared to this torture. 00:07:21 Speaker 7: We should have died in Egypt. Then we wouldn't have to endure this hunger. 00:07:26 Speaker 6: Do you remember the meat pots and bread we enjoyed there? 00:07:28 Speaker 7: Moses brought us out here to kill us. We were better off as slaves. Our stale breath from Egypt has run out. How are we going to survive now? How are we going to feed our children? 00:07:42 Speaker 1: Aaron was among them, trying to remain steadfast, but wavering under the hunger. 00:07:48 Speaker 3: Moses, these people aren't going to relent if we can't find food. Somehow things will get ugly. 00:07:58 Speaker 6: Has a lord not done enough with them? They're whining like children. 00:08:04 Speaker 3: Some of them are children Moses, and elderly and pregnant. We have needy people among us. They're annoying, but there are responsibility. 00:08:17 Speaker 8: Augh. 00:08:18 Speaker 5: No, no, they're the lords. 00:08:24 Speaker 1: Moses retreated to a small place tucked between two stones. He had to get away from the constant chattering. They're incessant grumbling and vexed Moses. But it didn't help that he was also starving. 00:08:38 Speaker 6: They're wrong to complain the lord, but we also need food. We won't last much much longer out here. 00:08:48 Speaker 1: Moses was growing anxious. The people were going to drop dead, flee back to Egypt, or start a revolt and kill him. He turned to Aaron with a furrowed brow. 00:09:01 Speaker 8: I have heard them. Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you. All my people will know I am their God. They shall gather a portion of food for each day, only for the day they shall eat. I will test their ways, and whether they can walk in my law or not. 00:09:31 Speaker 6: Erin gather the people. I've heard from the Lord. 00:09:35 Speaker 1: The people of Israel gathered under the shade of a deep canyon. It was their only respite from the harsh glares of the eastern sun. Scorched earth surrounded them. There were no wild berries to forage or game taunt. The land was desolate, void of life and potential for life. The Israelites we're going to survive. They needed a miracle. 00:10:05 Speaker 3: We have heard from the Lord. Your bellies are grumbling, drowning out reason. You've forgotten what the Lord has done for you. He brought us from slavery, and if he parted sees and sent fire from the heavens, then surely he can provide us food this evening. You shall know that the Lord is your deliverer. 00:10:33 Speaker 9: You complain to us, but what have we done to you? Your complaints are against the Lord, your grumbling. If reached his ears in the evening, you will receive meat. 00:10:52 Speaker 6: In the morning you will have bread. 00:10:54 Speaker 3: Come near to the Lord. Behold for yourselves that he hears you. 00:11:00 Speaker 1: As Aaron spoke, a sound came from the wilderness. Dark clouds rolled in from the west, and the wind churned up dust. They covered their eyes, worried that they had sparked God's ire. Moses heard the voice of the Lord speak to him. 00:11:20 Speaker 8: I have heard them. At twilight, they will be satisfied. They shall know that I am the Lord, their God. 00:11:31 Speaker 3: What's happening, Moses? Is this provision or judgment? 00:11:35 Speaker 6: The Lord will provide, But I don't know how. 00:11:41 Speaker 1: The clouds swirled overhead. The charcoal skies, mixed with the setting sun caused a crimson hue to envelop the land. The people of Israel settled in for the night, anxious and hungry. Then a sound came from the distance. Moses and Aaron exited their tents and looked up. 00:12:09 Speaker 3: Are we being attacked? 00:12:11 Speaker 1: Suddenly and violently, a swarm of quail blew through the canyons. The storm in the distance pushed them all the way from the east they flew and ran through the camp. 00:12:26 Speaker 3: Quick get them. 00:12:30 Speaker 6: This is the Lord. 00:12:31 Speaker 1: A men, women and children frantically grabbed nets and sticks to catch the quail. There was enough for each household to enjoy. That night, the smell of meat cooked over camp fires wafted upward with the sound of laughter. It was like incense to the Lord. Moses scanned the crowd. Smiles and full bellies were illuminated by the flames. 00:13:02 Speaker 6: He isn't finished. 00:13:04 Speaker 1: It was before first light of dawn. All was quiet, still peaceful. The morning missed slithered over the valley, bringing the morning dew. It lay gently around the Israelite camp. Rising with the dew came a flake like substance. It laced the ground like frost. Everyone emerged from their tent and looked around curiously. Nobody knew what to make of it. 00:13:38 Speaker 9: What is this? 00:13:39 Speaker 7: Don't touch it. It could be deadly. 00:13:41 Speaker 6: It looks harmless. See it's like cotton. 00:13:44 Speaker 1: The people gathered round, poking it with sticks and wondering if they should be concerned. Moses came up from behind eat. They all turned confused and skeptical. 00:13:58 Speaker 6: This is the bread the Lord has given you. 00:14:02 Speaker 9: He has commanded that you'd take an omer and measure enough for each person in your tent. 00:14:09 Speaker 6: No more, no less. 00:14:11 Speaker 1: The people gathered up the mystery food. Some took more than others, but nobody lacked any. Moses picked up some for himself. It was light in his palms, flaky and scentless. He pressed it to his lips, feeling its soft and inviting texture. He put it in his mouth. It was chewing, but not fibrous. It was sweet, but didn't burst with flavor, like a sweet date a fig. It was pleasant but not overwhelming. The people enjoyed and ate until their bellies were full. He looked around. 00:14:56 Speaker 3: No harm in taking a little more for later. I'm big man, after all. 00:15:02 Speaker 7: If you can take extra, then I can take extra. What if we want to save something, just in case the children can't get hungry at night? 00:15:09 Speaker 3: We should save some jars for our journey. 00:15:11 Speaker 2: Who knows if it will ever come again? 00:15:14 Speaker 6: No more, no less. Do as the Lord commands, trust him for tomorrow. We don't know if it will come tomorrow. 00:15:23 Speaker 1: People began to fight. The people were frantic. They had been so hungry and deprived that they couldn't trust that the food would be there tomorrow. They began fighting, hoarding whatever they could for themselves. 00:15:39 Speaker 6: False, we still haven't learned. 00:15:42 Speaker 1: Moses clenched his staff, his stomach boiled with rage. 00:15:47 Speaker 9: Child the Lord, they can't follow simple instructions, they. 00:15:54 Speaker 3: Ah. 00:15:56 Speaker 1: Moses turned to hear the people clamoring over something. He looked down and salt the bread, slowly melting away with the afternoon sun. What was stored in tents bread worms, and developed a terrible odor. Each day God provided food, but each day the people grew anxious and tried to save more. Day after day, God provided for their needs. Slowly, they began to trust that the Lord would protect and provide for them. He was their God, and just as he had clothed the mountain range with wild flowers and provided seeds for the birds of the air to eat, he would take care of his chosen people. 00:16:57 Speaker 5: So do not worry saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Jesus teaches us that God's provision will flow from his deep love for us and his righteous character. Our worry amounts to very little, but trust and diligently being about God's kingdom will yield far more than anxious reeling will. The story of God providing manner to the Israelites and the wilderness is a powerful illustration of his faithful provision. After escaping slavery in Egypt, the Israelites found themselves in the desert, facing hunger and uncertainty. They began to grumble against Moses and Aaron, longing for the food they had in Egypt. In response, God Romus to provide them with bread from heaven, which they called manna. Each morning, the Israelites would gather just enough manna for that day, teaching them to rely on God's daily provision. When some tried to hoard the manna, it spoiled, reinforcing the lesson that they needed to trust God each day. The Israelites had to trust God daily for their manner, teaching them reliance on God rather than their own efforts. This daily dependence is a powerful reminder for us. We often might try to control our future by planning or storing up resources, but God wants us to trust him one day at a time. Just as he provided for the Israelites. Each day, he promises to provide for our daily needs. This means trusting him not only in times of abundance, but also in times of uncertainty and scarcity. Jesus tells us not to worry about our basic needs, because our heavenly Father knows what we need. Worry distracts us from focusing on God's kingdom and his righteousness. It SAPs our energy and erodes our faith. Like the Israelites, we are to trust in God's provision and not be consumed by anxiety. When we worry, we are essentially doubting God's ability to care for us. Instead, we should cast our anxieties on him, knowing that he cares for us deeply. When we prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, we align our hearts with his purposes. God promises that when we seek him first, he will take care of our needs, just as he provided manner for the Israelites. This means that our primary focus should be on spiritual growth, serving others, and spreading the gospel. By putting God first, we trust that He will handle the rest. This alignment of priorities ensures that our lives are centered around what truly matters, and it opens the door for God's blessings to flow into our our lives. The story of the Manna is a reminder of God's faithfulness. Despite the Israelites grumbling, God provided for them. This reassures us that God is faithful and will provide for us even in difficult circumstances. Reflecting on past experiences of God's provision can strengthen our faith. Remembering how God has come through for us in the past helps us trust him with our future. God's track record of faithfulness in our lives is a powerful testimony to his unchanging nature and his steadfast love for us. How do we practically apply these principles today? First, we can strive to trust God daily. Cultivate a habit of trusting God daily for your needs. Start each day with prayer, thanking God for what He's given you, and asking God to provide for your needs and to help you trust Him more. Remember that just as He provided manna for the Israelites, he will provide for you. Trusting God daily involves surrendering our worries and our anxieties to him, believing that He will take care of us in every situation. Second, let go of worry easier said than done. Right, when anxiety about your needs arise, turn to prayer and remind yourself of God's faithfulness. Focus on seeking God's kingdom and his righteousness, trusting that He will take care of the rest. Letting go of worry and anxiety requires a conscious effort to shift our focus from our problems to God's promises. It involves renewing our minds with scripture and surrounding ourselves with the supporting faith community. Letting go of worry also requires that we focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on what we can The space between what we can control and what we can't will be filled by God. Then, practice gratitude for God's provision in your life. Recognize the ways He's provided for you, and express thanks to him. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you remember God's faithfulness and cultivate a heart of thankfulness. Gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we have, reminding us of God's continuous blessings in our lives. After all this, learn to share generously. Just as God provided enough manner for each person, he often provides enough for us to share with others. Be generous with what you have, trusting that God will continue to meet your needs. Generosity is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. It reflects his character and opens the door for His blessings to flow through us to others. As we reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew chapter six, Verses twenty five through thirty four, and the story of God providing manna in the wilderness, let us be reminded of the importance of trusting in God's provision. May we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, confident that He will take care of our needs. Let us let go of worry and embrace a life of faith, knowing that our heavenly Father is faithful and will provide for us. Let us pray for the grace and the wisdom to be true citizens of Heaven, living out the trust and reliance on God that Jesus calls us to. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. 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