"I Am the Bread of Life"

I Am the Bread of Life

Today's story takes place after Jesus performed the miracle of feeding over 5000 men, women and children - crowds of people went out of their way to find Him the next day.  He challenged them, stating that the only reason they sought Him out was because of what He did, NOT because they believed in Who He was.  Jesus told them not to chase after things that fade, even something that seems as necessary as food, but rather to seek food that gives everlasting life.  Then He said, "I am the bread of life.  He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."  (John 6:35)  Further on in the chapter, He refers to the Israelites being fed manna in the desert (Ex 16:14-31) - food which God did indeed provide, but which only sustained them here on earth . . . they still eventually died.

It's amazing, really, how many times He takes us back to this same lesson - He alone can provide eternal life . . . life that truly matters here on earth, as well as life without end when we leave here.  And He provides it to those who believe in Him (John 6:40).  His message is simple, clear and consistent.  

In Exodus, we learn that the Israelites gathered, first thing in the morning, enough bread for that day alone - this was God's direction to them. Of course, some tried to save some for the next day, or just gather more than they needed, and it bred worms and stank.  When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He included "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt 6:11) - again repeating this same instruction:  God will provide what is needed for that day.  

This leads me to think about two things - first, how often I misjudge what I actually need, whether it's food, money, time, energy, talents, ideas, etc.  Learning to really pray for my DAILY bread, and to accept that what God has provided is indeed enough - that is an area with room for growth.  To know that whatever I have, though it seems inadequate or less than pleasing to me, is enough when I bring it to God and use it as He intends.  

Second, I'm shocked when I take inventory of how many things I still use to "fill" myself rather than turning and returning to Jesus.  It's like the equivalent of eating junk food when He's offering me the Bread of Life!  I often fill my time with things that are interesting or pleasantly distracting, but leave me wondering what I've done with my day.  I yearn to really experience Him as Bread to me - nourishing, energizing, growth producing, life giving Bread!  

Jesus, help me to think of You each time I go to eat something over these next few days . . . let me use those moments as opportunities to ask You to feed me in ways that only You can.

(the link to the kid's post is:  http://elizabethtreger1.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-countdown-dec-12.html)