The biblical narratives of God providing manna, quail and water while Israel was in the wilderness is packed with images and connections to the work of God throughout history, today and for the rest of created time into eternity. Two particular details that ought to be highlighted from this narrative is the water that miraculously flows from the rock in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6) and the manna from heaven in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14-16). First, these two specific events are about God’s saving work in Old Testament history. Perhaps, these events are not particularly spiritually salvific in nature; however, they are physically salvific for sustaining the physical nature of Israel. God, through the water and manna that seemingly simply appears shows a God who not only cares for his people but a God who indeed physically and spiritually sustains and saves His people. It is important to note that the manna and quail came without Israel’s action. Rather, it appears in the midst of their complaining and in this sense, their unfaithfulness of trusting God’s ability to provide, sustain and deliver.
Further, God’s provision of water and manna in the wilderness relates to the person and work of the incarnate Christ. The water, in a way is a preview or a type of life-sustaining water provided by Jesus (John 4:14; 1 Corinthians 10:4). The manna is a type of bread that physically comes down from heaven to nourish, sustain and save humanity and all creation (John 6:32). It is again important to note both the life-sustaining Water of Christ and the physical Bread of Life comes in the person of Jesus apart from anyone’s action. Rather, it is extremely important to note that Jesus comes in the midst of rebellion, sin and unfaithfulness. However, Jesus comes not to simply temporally provide and sustain, but to turn hearts and lives in repentance and transform a people for eternal salvation.
As the work of God continues through history and time, the water and...