What is it?

What is it?

This metal receptacle I came across in my favourite antiques emporium. So busy was I looking at other unusual treasures that I forgot to enquire what this object was used for by a past, long-forgotten generation. Any ideas?

Meanwhile, my thoughts flew back to an edible ‘What is it?’ found in the early pages of the Bible.

There is no pleasing some people! When that great leader Moses (with Aaron as his spokesperson) accomplished the great exodus of his people, the Hebrews, from Egypt, he must have been counting on their support. In fact, he was to find out soon enough what a grumpy bunch they were.

What on earth was going on in their heads that they could forget so easily that only recently they had been slaves in bondage, working their socks off making bricks and how God effected their amazing escape. And then, this group of grumps came to Moses to tell him that they were missing, of all things, leeks, garlic and cucumbers!

Being in the desert, although free from their slave-masters, they looked to their bellies rather than their beliefs, to their circumstances rather than their Heavenly Supplier. God was quite capable of providing for them even if everywhere seemed barren. Instead, they looked back to Egypt. But their God surprised them by sending Manna which was a small round substance like coriander seed and as fine as frost on the ground. The children of Israel said to one another, ‘what is it?’. It tasted like wafers made with honey. But the people grumbled.

‘What is it?’ may not have been the catchiest of marketing slogans but nevertheless it was the Heavenly Father’s provision for His people.

‘Our Father in heaven 

Hallowed be your Name. 

Your kingdom come, 

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread…’   

Matt.5:9-11 NIV

Living in western Europe, I am ashamed for taking food provisions for granted. May I never be found grumbling, but rather have an attitude of gratitude. 

Paul, the apostle declares in the Bible: 

‘I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ Phil. 4:11-13 NIV