Manna Itself Bred Worms

“…manna itself bred worms.”
- Matthew Henry (1662-1714), commenting on Matthew 6:19-24

I love Matthew Henry more and more as time goes by. The sermon for morning worship this upcoming Lord’s Day is done. One more proofreading, and it’s about to be e-mailed it out so the notes can be printed. Then I decide to read Matthew Henry on the text. Four words, and he makes me want to rewrite a good portion of my notes. I won’t, but he tempts me greatly.

Henry is referring to Exodus 16:20. Even the provision God provided for the children of Israel in the desert was temporary, as all things in this world are. When they hoarded it (against His command), even the angels’ food (Psalm 78:25) rotted on earth. This is another reason to value the eternal, the heavenly, and the spiritual above those things – even as we enjoy earthly provision, give thanks for it, and prayerfully keep it in right perspective.

It reminds me of one of my favorite hymns:

“All my life I had a longing
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.

Poor I was, and sought for riches,
Something that would satisfy,
But the dust I gathered round me
Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.

Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.”

- “Satisfied,” words by Clara Treat Williams (1858-1937)