Homilies
Do we recognise our Manna?
Holy Spirit, take my words and speak to each of us according to our need.
This morning, we are introduced to two significant biblical moments: the offering of the first fruits in Deuteronomy and Jesus’ testing in the wilderness. Both passages speak to us of God’s provision—His faithfulness to provide for His people both then and now. However, they also highlight an important truth: our human tendency to test God, to demand proof of His care, even as He faithfully provides for us.
In today’s world, where greed, consumerism, and fear often dominate, I’d like to reflect on how we might truly rely on God’s provision; how we might learn to trust Him more deeply and find contentment in what He provides.
Deuteronomy 26 recounts the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. The passage commands them to bring the first fruits of their harvest before the Lord, acknowledging that all they have is from Him. This act of worship served as a powerful reminder of the manna that sustained them in the wilderness—a daily gift from God that taught them to trust in Him alone.
Manna was God’s miraculous provision—just enough for each day, no more, no less. The Israelites had to trust that God would provide again tomorrow. This lesson in dependence and faith is also echoed in Jesus' response to Satan’s temptation in the wilderness. Though hungry, He refused to turn stones into bread, choosing instead to rely on the Father’s provision rather than taking matters into His own hands.
But what about us? What are the “manna” in our lives? Do we recognise God’s provision in our daily bread, in our relationships, in the very breath we take each morning? Or are we constantly grasping for more, either fearful that what we have will not be enough or that we somehow won’t be complete without all our trappings?
Society teaches us to chase happiness, often equating it with material gain, status, and comfort. That’s how advertising works, there is always a latest version, just slightly improved and absolutely necessary for your wellbeing. But happiness, as the world defines it, is fleeting—it depends on circumstances. Contentment, however, is a deeper trust in God’s provision, a peace that remains regardless of external situations. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-12, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” True contentment comes not from acquiring more but from trusting that what God gives is enough.
In our pursuit of happiness, we often collect more possessions, experiences, and ambitions, believing they will fill the void. But the more we gather, the more we realise that we are still lacking something and our longing for satisfaction can only be met by God. Contentment is not about having everything we want—it is about recognising that, in Christ, we already have everything we need.
When Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself from the temple to force God’s hand in proving His care, Jesus responded, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Testing God means demanding proof on our own terms rather than trusting His promises. Yet, isn’t this exactly what we often do?
We might think, “If God really loved me, He would answer my prayer exactly how I want.” We think, “If God is real, why is there suffering?” We doubt, even as we claim to believe.
Yet, Romans 10:13 reminds us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This is not a promise that we will receive everything we ask for, but a promise of salvation and provision for our true needs—God’s presence, His grace, and eternal life.
Jesus teaches us to pray in His name, and we are told that prayers offered in His name will be answered. But this does not mean we can use prayer as a tool to manipulate God’s will. To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray in alignment with His will, trusting that His plans for us are greater than our own.
We have a responsibility in prayer—to seek God’s will and not to ask for things that go against him. It is not about bending God’s will to our desires but about aligning our desires with His will. As Jesus Himself prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
As children of God, we have been given great rights—we are His beloved, heirs with Christ, created in His own image. But with these rights come responsibilities. We are called not only to receive His blessings but also to live in obedience to His commands, to love and serve as He does.
A true heir does not squander their inheritance but stewards it wisely. We are called to reflect God’s character, to be ambassadors of His kingdom on earth, carrying out His will in our daily lives.
We live in a culture that constantly tells us we need more—more wealth, more success, more security. This breeds dissatisfaction and fear, making us feel as though we must control everything. But Jesus calls us to a different way of life.
How can we shift our hearts from fear to faith?
Just as the Israelites were commanded to offer their first fruits, we too must recognise that everything we have is from God. Practicing gratitude—through prayer, giving, and acts of kindness—shifts our perspective from greed to contentment. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we begin to see how richly we have been blessed in what we already have.
Satan tempted Jesus with power and security, things the world tells us we need. But Jesus knew that true security comes from God alone. When we are tempted to measure our worth by what we own or accomplish, we must remind ourselves of the truth: We are God’s beloved children, heirs with Christ, created in His image. His creation.
You might have heard of the “Life Laundry” movement, popularised by figures like Mrs. Hinch. It encourages people to declutter their homes, reducing excess. In the same way, spiritual decluttering—removing distractions and unnecessary burdens—can help us focus on what truly matters.
If something does not bring joy, contentment, or draw us closer to God, do we really need it? We must recognise and resist consumerism and materialism, realising that only our basic human needs are necessary—and God will provide for them. Trust in Him.
Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Part of trusting God’s provision is recognising that He often provides for others through us. We are called to be His hands and feet, meeting the needs of those who lack basic necessities.
God always provides for His people. He provided manna in the wilderness, He sustained Jesus through temptation, and He offers us salvation through Christ. We do not need to put Him to the test. Instead, we are invited to trust, to be grateful, and to live in contentment.
In a world obsessed with excess and gripped by fear, may we learn to be satisfied with what God gives, knowing and trusting that His provision is always enough. Amen.