Manna & Messiah

Beloved People of God,

Twenty years ago, when I was a young pastor rushing in ministry, a mentor advised me saying, “Sometimes in ministry the best thing you can do is have a nap and a snack.” I’ve thought about that a lot over the years. At its heart, it’s a call to Sabbath, remembering God is God and we aren’t. It challenges where we’ve abandoned His way for our own. When we serve Jesus in our own strength, we may last for a while, but it’s not long before the cracks appear.

Elijah’s a great example of this (1 Kings 19). He genuinely felt he was the only one serving the Lord. Reading about the powerful encounter on Mount Carmel, we might think he was renewed, rejuvenated, and ready to run into his next season of ministry. In reality, he was worn out! He crashed out at Jezebel’s threat. Hiding in the wilderness, the Lord let Elijah sleep and miraculously fed him. A nap and snack are a good start.

The disciples are another great example (John 6). One might think after taking a few small pieces of bread and fish from Jesus’ hands and marveling at their miraculous multiplication the disciples would be spiritually energized for life! In reality, they were just as susceptible to fear and perplexity as the crowd (John 6.19, 60). A miraculous meal and a night’s rest are a good start, but there’s greater spiritual nourishment needed.

God fed His people to call them closer. He asked Elijah, “Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19.113). After scandalizing the crowd proclaiming unequivocally, “I AM the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh,”—which led to thousands abandoning Him—Jesus asked His remaining disciples: “Do you desire to leave too?” (John 6.51; 67).

The Lord feeds us to bring us into a place of real conversation and revelation. During this week of Lent, quiet your heart to hear the Lord’s still small voice. Maybe start by taking a nap and eating a snack, remembering you aren’t God. Then answer honestly the questions the Lord asks: “Why are you here?” and “Are you following me or yourself?”

For Christ the King, 

Brett