The Manna Principle

From Henry’s Desk

“He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little

did not have too little.”

(2 Cor 8:15)

The Manna Principle

The above verse is a quote originally from Exodus 16.  The Lord was giving manna to the Israelites.  Each morning they would gather it and then divide it up with a certain amount going to each person.  The excess of the ones who had gathered too much was given to the ones who had gathered too little, so that each one had the right amount.

In 2 Corinthians the verse is used in reference to people who had an abundance sharing with those who were in need.

“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,” 

(2 Cor 8:13-14).

I also like to apply this verse to when God’s people meet. Any time the church gets together, I believe you will find that some people have an excess and others have a lack.  Some have had a rich time with the Lord and some haven’t.  Some have things to share, and others are lacking and are in need.

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.  (1 Cor 14:26 NIV)

Based on the above verse, I love meetings where those with full baskets share what is in them with those who have empty baskets.  This can be done with as little as two people or groups of people.

Unfortunately, those with empty baskets usually won’t admit it, those with full baskets usually won’t share it, and most of our meetings are usually so structured that there is no opportunity for basket sharing.

Maybe we need not to have so many usual meetings and have some active participation of the body in basket sharing.