Joshua 5:12
In that most famous of books, the book of Ecclesiastes; Solomon the Son of David remarks; “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). These words are often heard at the funeral services of loved ones departed, as families come face to face with the stinging reality of death; yet it’s not death that I have in mind why I mention these verses. However, just as death marks the end of a legacy when one’s days on earth have run their course; so the verse before us in Joshua, marks an end of a legacy and an end of an era!! There’s something about this verse that upon reading it brings a strange sorrow into one’s heart. “And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year” (Josh. 5:12). For forty long years, God had been present amongst His people in their very midst. For forty long years God had led His people Israel in the wilderness with supernatural power and now this era had come to an end!
This sermon is an encouragement for all who find themselves in a wilderness journey. This journey shall not be forever; as chapters come together in a book to form the whole, so are the seasons in our life as chapters in a book. Looking back over these many trials there will be one common denominator that you’ll never forget, that which ought to be treasured above all else in this life…God in your very midst, leading, guiding and providing by mighty power!!