After Israel had passed through the Red Sea, they found themselves in the wilderness with nothing to eat. When they complained to Moses and Aaron, God responded with a gift. He would give them bread from heaven, as much as they could ever need.
But the gift also came with a test. Would Israel receive the gift, and replace their grumbling with gratitude? Would they obey the word that came with it? Would they trust that God had given them everything they would need?
When Israel gathered God’s bread, everyone had enough. No one gathered too little, or too much. The food God gave satisfied. Still, some tried to save leftover food for the next day. Maybe God’s provision would run out, or he would change his mind. That food spoiled. It "bred worms and stank.”
On the 6th day, however, God told them to gather extra, and to set it aside for the Sabbath day. Some still tried to disobey, but when they went out to gather they found nothing. While they looked for bread that wasn't there, those who rested had fresh, “unperished” bread.
In John 6, after Jesus had fed the 5,000, he was approached by people who wanted more of his miraculous bread. They asked him: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” In other words, what’s the test? Jesus answered: “believe in him whom he has sent.” Receive the bread from heaven that God has given in Christ. “Do not work for the food that perishes,” the food that cannot satisfy you, the false food that drives you away from the rest God gives.
Jesus is the bread that does not perish. He is the bread that sustains us in God’s rest. The test is to receive him and want nothing else. There is nothing to add, no other bread that can feed us. If we try to add to him we will be like those Israelites in the wilderness, refusing God’s rest while we search for bread that can’t be found.
We are also prone to chase things that cannot satisfy--distractions, entertainment, security, wealth, comfort, approval. These aren’t bad in themselves, but they can’t feed us, and they make lousy gods. When we give ourselves to them we are always left weary and hungry. If we take an honest look at our lives, can’t we see how true this is?
Jesus’ answer echoes Is. 55:2: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” He is enough. He satisfies. Do the things God has called you to do. Do them well, and even enjoy them, but do not seek satisfaction in them. They cannot give you what you need. And do not let those things draw you away from the rest in God’s presence that Jesus offers. He is always enough.
Justin