Manna Mañana or Taco Tuesday?

The Israelites wandered the desert complaining to Moses about having nothing to eat.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. Exodus 1:4 NIV

In the morning, the dew faded leaving a layer of flakes like frost to gather, grind into flour and bake. The word “Manna” came from their response “What is it?” The Spanish word “Mañana” is similar but has no etymological connection. Though meaning “tomorrow,” it is derived from “early morning” so perhaps there is more connection than we thought.

Manna was the Lord providing bread from heaven, but it came with strict instructions.

Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an Omer for each person you have in your tent.’ “Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning. Exodus 16: 15-16 NIV

Those that obeyed had just enough for the day. Those that gathered more found the extra would spoil. The only exception was the day before Sabbath where they gathered two days’ worth, that they may rest on the seventh day. Their “daily bread” was all they needed for the day, no more, no less.

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV

One day’s worth of manna, of bread, of blessings, all that is needed. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Not to say that planning ahead is a bad thing. The Lord leads us to provide for ourselves and family; however, we should do so financially as well as spiritually. In storing up earthy treasures, we should first store up treasures in heaven, where moth and thieves may not destroy.

Do not look past the manna in your hand while hungering for the bread of mañana, that may or may not come. Today is enough for today.

“I’d rather fight you for something I don’t really want than to take what You give that I need.” Hold Me Jesus – Rich Mullins.