Lesson Twenty Three

FOOD FROM HEAVEN

 

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:19
Further Study: Exodus 16, Patriarchs and Prophets: pp. 292-297; The Story of Redemption: pp. 126-131; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 140-145

My daughter is a music teacher. There are times when she gets so excited about how her ensembles are doing she will bubble over with “music talk.” Recently we had one of those moments as she shared a piece of music that, for her high school students, was challenging. It wasn’t difficult because of the notes or the tempo, but because of the rhythm. The music told a story and as the story reached a moment of chaos, the time signature changed from 4/4 to 6/8 to 2/4 to 9/8 to 7/8 multiple times (musicians will appreciate this detail). In order for the “chaos” to be what the composer intended; the students must watch the director.

In order for the “chaos” to be what the composer intended; the students must watch the director. 

Band students don’t arrive at class knowing how to do this. It takes time and practice. At first it is all about the steady beat—playing simple songs to simple rhythms as the director taps the beat on the music stand. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four.

The Israelites had been traveling for six weeks. Still a diverse group with strong ties to Egypt and memories that weren’t always reliable, they grumbled. This time not for water, but for food. But note God’s response. He does not scold. He does not get angry. Instead, He gives them a “steady beat.” 

He does not scold. He does not get angry. Instead, He gives them a “steady beat.”

New in their relationship together, God could not expect advanced understanding. They must first learn the rhythm of His song. This is what manna did for them. Each day they collected an amount of food that was enough for that day. On the seventh day they rested. The steady beat of God’s metronome: 1-2-3-4-5-6, rest. 1-2-3-4-5-6, rest. 1-2-3-4-5-6-rest. This song, their song, would be practiced for the next 40 years.

We, too, must learn the rhythm of God’s song.

We, too, must learn the rhythm of God’s song. It continues to echo down the millennia to our day. Our manna is found in the Word, our daily bread in Jesus, the Bread of Life. But, like the Israelites, we must continue to practice: 1-2-3-4-5-6, rest. The rest is an important part of the rhythm, as is following the Director. 

Each day gather what is needed to sustain your soul. Don’t forget the Sabbath, your day to rest. Most importantly, keep an eye on the Director for when the chaos comes, you will be ready to play.

Digging Deeper 

Many think that the Sabbath was not instituted by God until He gave the 10 commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This would not be true, as is evident in this week’s lesson. Only six weeks after the Israelites left Egypt did God institute the Sabbath, a constant reminder to them of His care as well as His sovereignty as Creator. Note what we learn about the Sabbath in these verses from Exodus 16:

• The Sabbath is the seventh day (verses 22, 23, 26, 29).
• There should be preparation for the Sabbath (verses 22, 23).
• The Sabbath is a holy day (verse 23).
• The Sabbath is a day of rest (verses 23, 29, 30).
• This Sabbath is a command from God (verses 23, 28).
• The Sabbath is to be kept to honor (remember) the Lord. (verses 23, 25).
• Everyone is to stay where he is on the Sabbath (verse 29).
• The Lord gave the Sabbath to man (verse 29). 

Making it Real

Each week should have a rhythm such that when the Sabbath arrives, things are noticeably different. Different atmosphere, different routine, different food, different activities. If you have not yet created a special way to celebrate and honor the Sabbath, think of ways this week to do just that.

For those with younger children, what could you do each day that would prepare for the Sabbath to help them understand the rhythm and the rest? Here’s an idea but make it your own depending on the age of your children as well as your work schedule. Remember, adults need rhythm too. No kids? Think of ways you can prepare for the Sabbath each day.

Sunday: Do the laundry but take special effort to note the Sabbath clothes being prepared for next week.

Monday: Plan what you will do on Sabbath afternoon that could involve visiting neighbors or elderly church members’ homes. What special treat could you make to give them?

Tuesday: For your worship this evening, plan ahead for a special Friday night Sabbath worship. What items will you need to make it special?

Wednesday: Create a menu with your children for Sabbath lunch (or what you will take to potluck)

Thursday: Go to the grocery store to buy your food, but have the children find the items needed for the Sabbath menu and place them in the cart.

Friday: Prepare the items you will be eating for Sabbath lunch. Enjoy your specially planned sundown worship.

Sabbath: Go to Sabbath School and church. Enjoy your special meal. Have a great time visiting with new friends and delivering your goodies!

Respond & Share

What would you be missing if you didn’t have the Sabbath? Share your answers in the comments.

 

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being the grandmother of two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus.

 

Coming next week:
“FOOD FROM HEAVEN“
Based on Philippians 4:19, Exodus 16,
Patriarchs and Prophets: pp. 292-297; The Story of Redemption: pp. 126-131;
The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 140-145