Bibledoorajar: Gathering

     It seems that God wanted a little participation from His people when it came to their sustenance. He did not miraculously make them full at all times (although He certainly had that power), but rather set the scene for the people to have to expend their own effort in procuring the manna. Though not far from their door, it had to be gathered. That is, old and young had to leave the confines of their chosen state and go outside and gather the manna. The Bible says that in addition to the manna only lasting so long like hoarfrost it looked kind of like coriander seed and tasted sweet like honey. It must have been quite a scene watching all those Israelites outside gathering up the little stuff from heaven.
     Yesterday in Bible class those of us who gathered were busy dissecting and finding out as much as we could from a passage (1 Cor. 12). At one point someone said, this is really good stuff. Is there a writer who could right some of this down? The point was as each gathered (made another comment) we all began to feel the nourishment and wanted to preserve it in writing.  However, if the truth be known, even if written down, it probably would not provide the same nourishment as we were getting at the moment. Perhaps a time would never come when the words would be read again. And then the writer would just be frustrated.
      God seemed to sense that about His people. Each piece of manna, though small, was round and completely tasty and nourishing for the moment. So it is true of God's written word, the Bible. Each portion, when gathered,  is tasty and nourishing for the moment. Its' strengthening is appreciated at the time, but the depth of it's helpfulness may be used up soon as we go about our lives. And that is when we need to gather again. We need to find another complete round portion of the Word and take it in. Sweeter than honey? Better than wine? Life-giving? Complete in it's message?
     Years ago Willie Nelson wrote a song called Family Bible. As the song goes, the Bible sat on the table and the father would summon the family to the table to gather and share a portion of its' contents. Those participating may not have remembered all the nourishment they got at each gathering, but the writer makes it clear that the gathering was sustaining and full of meaning.  Especially, when Mother felt so good afterwards that she sang Rock of Ages cleft for me. Know from where your next portion will come?