Don’t Hoard the Manna | Exodus 16

“But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank.”
Exodus 16:20

It’s a sad and strange sight — God graciously provides daily bread from heaven, and some of the people immediately disobey. They try to store it overnight. They gather more than they’re told. They go out looking on the Sabbath when God said there would be none.
The result? Rotten manna. Worms. A stench in the camp.

God’s gifts are always good. But when we mishandle them in disobedience or self-reliance, the result is spoiled grace.

Partial Obedience Is Disobedience
John MacArthur writes, “Selective obedience is disobedience. God’s instructions aren’t suggestions.” The people weren’t confused — they were defiant. They simply didn’t trust that God would come through again tomorrow, so they took matters into their own hands.

That’s the heart of the issue. The hoarding of manna wasn’t just about food — it was about faith. They feared that God might not show up the next day. So they tried to secure their own future.

But as Matthew Henry notes, “What is gathered without faith will be consumed with regret.” When we reach beyond the boundaries God has set — whether in work, in finances, in relationships — we don’t end up with more blessing, we end up with rot.

Self-Reliance Is Spiritual Decay
William Perkins once warned, “To presume upon God’s grace without obeying His voice is to turn mercy into judgment.” When the Israelites gathered manna on the Sabbath, they were saying, “God’s way is not efficient enough. His plan doesn’t fit our agenda.”

Sound familiar?

We live in a culture that praises overwork, distrusts rest, and avoids limits. But God’s boundaries are not barriers to joy — they are invitations to trust.

Three Ways to Respond Today

1. Honor God’s Boundaries
   Whether it’s the Lord’s Day, your finances, your work week, or your family priorities — obey the limits God has given. They are wise and good.
2. Fight the Urge to Stockpile
   You don’t need to “secure your future” apart from God. He gives daily bread — not so you can store it, but so you can trust Him again tomorrow.
3. Rest Without Guilt
   Sabbath was not optional. It was part of God's design. Build disciplines of rest and worship into your life, and resist the world’s idolization of hustle.

Final Encouragement
God is not honored when we overreach. He is not glorified by anxious striving. He is pleased when His people trust Him — day by day — to provide, to lead, and to sustain.

Don’t hoard the manna. Don’t run past the boundary lines. Don’t mistrust the Father who has already proven His faithfulness.

Trust Him for today. Obey Him with what He’s given. Rest in His sufficient grace.

And tomorrow? He’ll be there again — with fresh mercy.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Nothing more. Nothing less. Just enough.