Bread That Satisfies
 

Bread That Satisfies

by Lydia Harris

I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life (John 6:47-48). Read: John 6:43-48

Reflect: Every Saturday Mother baked homemade bread, and I loved its yeasty smell. As the tantalizing aroma wafted throughout our large farmhouse kitchen, I could hardly wait to munch on a warm, thick slice of bread. The crunchy heel of the loaf was my favorite, and I savored it with a large glass of cold milk.

Since there were no bread machines then, Mother kneaded the dough by hand and shaped it into loaves and rolls, making enough to sustain our large family for the coming week. After a busy day of baking breads, fruit-filled coffeecakes and special rolls, Mother kept our supper simple: plenty of fresh bread, hard-boiled eggs, and hot chocolate. We never tired of this unusual menu because everyone enjoyed Mother’s homemade bread.

Just as Mother’s bread nourished us physically, God’s Word provided a spiritual staple during my childhood. Every evening before bedtime, Father gathered our family for “Schluss” (German for conclusion). He read aloud from his German Bible, and we all knelt and prayed in German. It was our time to feast on God’s Word. We learned about Jesus, the Bread of life, and that believing in Him brought eternal life. Our family devotions later led to personal Bible study and prayer times that satisfied the hunger of my soul.

Although Mother’s bread smelled and tasted wonderful, it couldn’t compare with the lasting spiritual satisfaction of knowing Jesus, the Bread of life. Now, to keep my relationship with Him fresh, I still must feed on a daily portion of Scripture. It points me to Jesus-the Bread that satisfies.

Respond: Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, through Whom I have eternal life. Help me grow in my devotion to Him. Increase my hunger for the Bread of Life, which satisfies my soul. Amen.

Questions: How has Jesus, the Bread of Life, sustained you and satisfied you?
What can you do today, to help you grow in your love for Jesus?