Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12
photo credit: Mmmatzoh Crack via photopin (license)
So far during this Lenten season, we’ve talked about being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, about being angels in the wilderness, and about the time that it takes for a tree to bear fruit. We know that work in the wilderness is important. We must overcome the devil, we must serve those in need, we must tend to the people we serve.
And we must do those things because one day we will all leave the wilderness.
In today’s scripture, the Israelites have finished their years in the wilderness after escaping slavery in Egypt. They’ve crossed over the Jordan. They’ve come to Canaan and are camped at Gilgal. There’s a long way to go, but they’re out of the wilderness.
While they were in the wilderness, God provided manna so that they would have something to eat. It was a blessing. Everyone had what they needed… but no more. (Exodus 16:16-21) this is one of the challenges of the wilderness: even with God providing enough, there isn’t more than enough. You cannot keep manna.
But when the Israelites leave the wilderness, something changes. They don’t need manna, anymore. They can eat the produce of the land.
The Israelites have made a huge transition. They no longer have to depend on manna. They can depend on the fruit of their own labor. They can plant gardens, they can eat produce, they can be self-sufficient.
When we work with the poor and marginalized of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we know that they need manna. That’s why we have the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s only client choice food pantry, the Micah Day Center, assistance with rent and utility bills, and other emergency services. We also know that people need the opportunity to grow. That’s why we have art classes, home maintenance classes, supportive housing, and case management.
We also know that people need the chance to be self-sufficient. It’s always our hope that the people we serve will leave the wilderness of poverty. It’s always our hope that they will come to a place where they don’t need manna. It’s always our hope that they will become self-sufficient.
Some of our happiest moments are graduations. When people graduate from our housing rehabilitation ministry and receive the key to their renovated house, we rejoice with them. When people graduate from our supportive housing program and move into their own housing, we celebrate with them.
We love those days when the people we serve no longer need manna. We love those days when they can eat the produce of the produce of the land.
