3 Principles of the Manna Community

I'm grateful to God for our ICA community. Israel was a distinct community, too.

They were called out of the Egyptian bondage and oppression. They were then expected to depend on manna for sustenance during their wilderness journey.

This “manna” community is God’s community. God Himself established their principles. He dwells there. All His attributes—righteousness, joy, peace, love—envelope them.

Every member of the manna community was expected to follow certain principles. Here are three of them I want you to keep in mind:

1. They are expected to start their journey from and towards wilderness. Wilderness was literal for the people of Israel, but it can be a symbol for what we face today—a place of extremities, discomfort, loneliness and hopelessness. God allows me to face wilderness as a test. And by doing so, the carnal, Egyptian nature is flushed out (Exodus 15:22, 25; 16:1; Deuteronomy 8:3-5).
2. They are expected to be a community of faith and patience. God is patient. God’s people are expected to reflect His patience. Prayer shouldn’t erupt from a grumbling, angry heart like the Israelites. Prayer ought to spring from a groaning, burdened heart. God wants me to develop faith and patience, waiting for His due time (Exodus 16:2-3; 2:24-25; Numbers 14:18; Romans 15:5; 1 Peter 5:6-7).
3. They are expected to receive surprises. The word “manna” is a Hebrew interrogative question. It comes from two Hebrew words. Ma/maan meaning "what" plus hu meaning "it," together mean, "what is it?" The Israelites asked this question surprised by the enormous provision of God in just one night. The manna community is a faith community that should expect to receive surprise gifts everyday (Exodus 16:13-15).

God is preparing a manna community. Don’t be surprised if He leads you through trying times. After a tough night with no catch, Jesus surprised Peter the fisherman by teaching him how to catch fish during the day (Luke 5:1-11). Today may be your turn.

A surprise gift from the Father is waiting for you. Patiently trust and depend on Jesus today and receive it.

Adapted from the sermon, “3 Principles of the Manna Community" by Pastor Thomas Cherian (September 2, 2018).

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