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Bread of Life

By Pastor Royston Smith

There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.

Mahatma Gandhi 

Anecdotal comments attribute the Europeans as the first baker of a loaf of bread. However, scientists point to traces of starch in mortar and pestle; like the rock in Egyptian’s artefacts; thus, crediting them as the first bread makers. Yet, their breadmaking idea was stolen from the Greeks and the practice spread over Europe and the rest of the world. So, each time you eat a slice, or a loaf of bread remember the skill of the Egyptian Bakers. 

Bread is a staple food item which comes in varying types, shapes, flavours, sizes, and textures. Bread has stood the test of time because it is a reasonably affordable, quick and versatile antidote for hunger.  It is served in different forms at any meal of the day, eaten as a snack and sometimes used as an ingredient in other recipes. However, each loaf has an expiry date, and if ignored, the risk of one’s health being compromised is increased.  A moldy loaf produces harmful mycotoxins (detected by an ‘off flavor’), which may trigger allergic reactions and cause harmful infections.  

In the Bible, bread is an important symbol. It is linked to the divine gift, a symbol of generosity and sharing. The Apostle John 6:35, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” Inspirational writer Ellen G White said, when Jesus commented, “I am the bread of life,” he was informing us that, he was the author, nourisher, and sustainer of eternal, spiritual life…. Christ presents Himself as heavenly bread…Belief in Him is essential to spiritual life. Those who feast on the Word never hunger, never thirst, never lack any good thing. 

We live in a world where people have become independent. Self-sufficiency is the order of the day. Many of us are filling ourselves with things that cannot satisfy our deepest longings. There are so many people around us who are destitute, empty and exhausted from life’s pursuits. We have so much yet we feel dissatisfied, we have achieved so much yet we struggle with huge disappointments. Deep within our souls there is void that can only be filled by Christ.  

Without the presence of Jesus in your life: 

  • You become a slave to self 
  • You become controlled by things 
  • You live an unfulfilled unexamined life
  • You live a life that leas to a dead end

Where do you get your daily supply of spiritual bread? Are you eating from Heaven’s Bakery? Does your life have purpose and direction? We are so easily stained by sin and our adoration is swayed by personal pleasures and aspirational desires. Matthew 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” 

Christ used the metaphor of bread to represent our nearness to Him. As the temporal food gives strength and solidity to the body so do the words of Jesus build our spiritual life, bringing light, peace, hope and joy. His bread strengthens the soul as physical food fortifies the body.  

Heavenly Father, each day you provide us fresh ‘bread’ in your Word. Help us to ‘feast’ and be satisfied. Spur us on to service I pray in your son’s name. Amen. 

Comments(2)

  1. Angela Wyllie says:

    Good morning Pastor Smith,
    I understand you went to WIC. What year was that? You look so familiar. Blessings

  2. Akosua says:

    Very encouraging and inspiring words, pastor. So many people today are struggling with a need for purpose and filling this void with material things, careers etc that don’t satisfy. Praying we all draw continuously from God’s bread of life and share it with others.