The Bread of the Presence, or showbread, was placed daily
in the Holy Place in both the Tabernacle and the Temple (Exodus 25:30). Once
a week, new bread replaced the week-old loaves and the priests ate the old
loaves (1Chronicles 23: 29). Jesus is our showbread in the Heavenly Tabernacle.
Bread is a continual theme throughout the Bible. The term
"bread" in the Bible refers to food in general or is used
symbolically as well. To break bread with someone was an act of fellowship and
communion (Genesis 14:18).
Unleavened bread reminds us of the Israelites exodus from
Egypt to a new life in Canaan (Exodus 12:39). Even when Israel rebelled and
refused to enter the Promised Land, God sustained them. He gave them bread from
heaven - manna - that preserved their lives (Exodus 16:2-4).
For Christians, this trek is symbolic of our walk with
the Lord in the Kingdom of God. Christians know that in Jesus, who is our True
Bread of Life, our lives are lifted up above the mundane, earthly level, and we
abide in the heavenly realm with Him (Ephesians 2:6).
God's Word is also our daily bread. As we read, study and
share His word, we find that we lose our desire for the matters of this life
and this world. Jesus said that His food was to do the will of His Father (John
4:34). As we mature spiritually, this is true in our life as well.
God provides for all of our needs. Our bread of heaven,
Jesus Christ, nourishes our lives and keeps us safe as we sojourn on this earth
toward eternity with Him in heaven. Bread is a powerful symbol of God’s provision.
Manna gave temporary life, but Jesus gives us eternal life John 6:35, 51).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are our bread of life and our living
water (Deuteronomy 8:3; John 1: 4). Your Word allows us to live spiritually
(Luke 4:4; Hebrews 5:12). Your Word is more necessary to us than food and it is
as sweet as honey (Jeremiah 15:16; Job 23:12; Psalm 119:103).
Yet, You abundantly provide for our physical needs as
well (John 6:1-15). We give
thanks to You, for You are good. Your loving kindness endures forever. I give
thanks to You, Lord, for Your unfailing love and Your wonderful acts to the
children of men, for You satisfy the thirsty soul and You fill the hungry soul
with good things (Psalm 107:1, 8-9).
Thought
for the Day:
Each
day, God gives us our daily bread as we read His Word, fellowship with Christ
in us, and follow the direction of the Holy Spirit each moment of the day. - Matthew 6:11
