Give us today our daily bread
Today we begin our new 3 part mini-series named 'Give us today our daily bread'.
You will recognise our topic is part of the Lord’s prayer.
Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one…’
As human beings we have basic needs for our body, our soul, and our spirit. Our bodies need food and water, clothing, and shelter. Our souls (minds) need emotional stability, confidence, and the correct degree of self-esteem. Our spiritual needs can only be met by Jesus. When we pray for "daily bread" we pray for all that we need to sustain life, not just our food and clothing, but all that we need for the wellbeing of our mind and soul and for our spiritual needs. It is a prayer of dependence, admitting that God is our provider.
Jesus after a 40 day fast in the wilderness was then tempted by Satan, who told him to turn the stones into bread. Jesus’ reply was very instructive.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Notice that man shall not live by bread alone, does indicate that we also need our physical daily bread to nourish and feed our bodies. Jesus is quoting from
Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
We find that ‘every word’ coming from the mouth of God is contained in the bible.
In the same way as we need physical bread to feed us, we need a daily portion of God’s word to nourish and sustain our souls.
In Deuteronomy 3 there is a clear parallel in gathering a supply of manna each day and us needing to seek and feed on a portion of the bible. If you want to follow Christ, then this feeding on the word is essential.
1 Peter 2:2 tells us that we ought to
Like new-born babies, crave pure spiritual milk (of the word), so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
When we take in God’s word and act on it, we will grow spiritually.
Are you taking it in and acting on it?
Amen
Please note that the Lord is also calling the more experienced believers to renew their love affair with the bible!
Prayer
For full text for printout and access to other parts 'Our daily bread' click below