14 JULY

FULL OF MAGGOTS

“However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell.” (Exodus 16:20, NIV)

God provided manna daily as food for His people, Israel, during their journey in the wilderness from Egypt to the Promised Land. The manna was to be collected in a quantity that they could finish same day on the first five days of the week. On the sixth day, they were to gather for both that day and the next, which was the Sabbath, as none would be available then (Exodus 16:22-24).

The manna, which looked like fresh coriander seeds and tasted like wafers made with honey, began to stink, when the Israelites disobeyed and kept it overnight on any of the first five days. When we are disobedient, issues which should be for our good eventually stink and bring disgrace. Secondly, the disobediently kept manna bred maggots. The presence of unsightly looking maggots indicates decaying organic material. Ingesting such infested food results in parasitic infections, gastrointestinal problems, food poisoning and allergic reactions. In the same way, sin indicates that we are decaying. It results in sickness; destruction of self, others and relationships; as well as spiritual allergic reactions as a result of separation from the presence of God and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our indwelling Counsellor, Guide and Comforter; so separation from Him means we are more or less left to our own devices, which can be disastrous.

Do some of our public office holders who embezzle the manna (resources) meant for all – more than enough for their generations – not read the Scriptures? Oh, how this manna stinks and is full of maggots in their lives and generations! Obedience is better than sacrifice!

ACTION: Resolve to diligently obey divine commandments and instructions.

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your gifts of life and provisions. Please, chastise me, when I err but do not take your Holy Spirit from me.