The Manna From Heaven ~ Part 2

We have seen in part one that God has given us His word to be nourished spiritually by.  It is truly the breakfast of champions, the manna from heaven.  Christ not only had the Bible written for us to understand but He actually gave us an example to follow in overcoming through utilizing this sharp two-edged sword.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two=edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” ~ Hebrews 4:12

Let’s look at the showdown between Christ and the devil in the wilderness, and see how powerful the words of the Bible are, so that we can take heart in the midst of our own trials and battles overcoming sin in our own lives by utilizing His words.

After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, immediately there came a voice from heaven “This is my Son, who I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

The showdown begins:

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” ~ Matthew 4:1

Let’s notice Jesus was led into the wilderness.  The ancient Israelites were also led in the wilderness, but instead of partaking of the manna from heaven God provided, Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights (perhaps symbolizing the 40 years the Israelites traveled in the wilderness).  He did not eat physical food because this was to be a spiritual battle.  While He was in the desert, I’m certain that He was meditating on God’s word, he took of the spiritual manna from which He drew His strength.

Let’s look at what He used to overcome Satan:

Temptation 1:

“And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”                             ~ Matthew 4:3

Christ’s Defence:

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. ~ Matthew 4:4

Strength from spiritual manna, God’s words, taken directly from the Old Testament Deuteronomy 8:3

Temptation 2:

 “Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, If you are the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He will give his angels charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.”  ~ Matthew 4:5-6

Christ’s Defence:

“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”  ~ Matthew 4:7

Strength from spiritual manna, God’s words, taken directly from the Old Testament Deuteronomy  6:16

Temptation 3:

“Again, the devil took him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them and said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”~ Matthew 4:8-9

Christ’s Defense:

“Then said Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” ~ Matthew 4:10

Strength from spiritual manna, God’s words, taken directly from the Old Testament Deuteronomy 6:13.

So, we see here how important it is to continually be partaking of His word daily, as the model prayer states, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This daily bread is not only physical but most importantly spiritual.  Don’t neglect such a wonderful whole food that is readily available to strengthen our hearts and give us the weapons of warfare we so desperately need in these end-time days, when Satan is the god of this world.  If we read or listen to God’s word daily and apply it to our lives, we have a spiritual arsenal.  We indeed will begin our day with the breakfast of champions. This will give us the confidence we need to face life’s challenges.  When Christ returns, He too can say of us, “This is my daughter in whom I am well pleased.”

 PRAYER:  Father, as your daughters, we pray for your daily bread, not only physical but spiritual.  We desire to journey through our own wilderness to your Kingdom with confidence, knowing that Your Son is leading the way, even when things may be difficult.  He is ever ready to help in time of need, as He was the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day; He also gave physical Israel in the Old Testament help and confidence.  We thank you that you have provided such a blessing in the printed word.  Help us to digest it and make it a part of our every thought, that we may be strengthened thereby.  We love You and ask this in Jesus name.  Amen

 To read about our festival of the Days of Unleavened Bread, please click here.  To read more concerning God’s word, sharper than any two-edged sword, click here.  Have a blessed day! 

If you would like, you can read Part 1 of the “Manna of Heaven” here.