Joshua 5:9-12

I recently spoke with a distressed young woman. Her faith is important. She had tried to follow what she sincerely believed was God's direction for her life. Then when God did not provide as she had expected she felt disappointed and discouraged. If seemed as if God was absent. It was as if God had failed her. It is often the case that God moves in ways we don't expect. It was that way with the people of Israel as they moved into the Promised Land.

After journeying forty years in the wilderness the people arrive at the Jordan River. They cross the river on dry land (chapter 4). God directs the males to be circumcised (chapter 5). The people celebrate their first Passover in this the land God has promised (chapter 5). Through all this they are obedient in following God's direction. Later in chapter 6 we read of the conquering of the great city of Jericho.

But in the midst of this epic journey and future victory we read a small, almost hidden detail. They had celebrated the Passover. The very next morning, as they wait on the plains of the walled city of Jericho; as they are prepared for war; they go outside. "There's no manna." "The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land . . . (5:12)" For the first "weekday morning" since Exodus 16 there is no manna. Manna was a staple in their diets and in their lives. But it was to be no more.

We have the benefit of "knowing the story." We "expect" the coming miraculous victory at Jericho and the conquering of the Promised Land. But these people don't know that part of the story. They are caught in the midst of it. "We're preparing for battle, and now God ceases to provide the expected, our morning provision."

I can imagine the questions of these pilgrims. "Are we on our own?" "Has God abandoned us?" "Have we 'misread' God's plan?" "We've been obedient, what can this mean?" I can imagine that they are discouraged and confused.

But I don't believe that is God's message to them. No, God ceases the provision of manna and in so doing affirms that "this is to be your home!" This is the place to make a new life just as I promised. The battles haven't been fought. There are difficult challenges ahead, but this is your home. God's message is that the journeying is over. You are home. This is the land I promised. You are home.

What are we to learn from this passage?

First, in the challenging times God is still "behind the scenes." He is no less involved when He blesses the crops and flocks as when "manna comes from above." Second, God still provides the supplies. This is the land of milk and honey. God will provide the resources. Third, God gives the strength. He will continue to provide, but the people will also have to work on their own behalf.

I mentioned a young woman above. After a brief time she again found God "in the midst" of her struggles. He had not forgotten. He had not abandoned. As she was faithful, God was faithful. She told me that she knew God would provide. In her words, "People may let you down, God never does!"

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Sermon brief provided by: Earl Nichols, Garden Community Church, Bradenton, FL