God, the Baker
Yes, you read that right. God gives us our daily bread, therefore he is a baker, right? Well, sort of. Jesus tells his disciples to ask God for their daily bread, but "bread" could easily be replaced with "needs". So why mention bread?
In the Old Testament, there is a story about a bread-like substance coming from heaven. If you're thinking about the Jews in the wilderness, you're on the right track. In Exodus 16, the Jews are complaining to Moses and Aaron about the lack of food. They started fantasizing about Egypt and slavery, romanticizing eating meat and entire loaves of bread for one meal. This was probably false. Slaves did not eat that well. So God promised to send them bread that would rain from the sky.
The deal was each family should gather what they needed every day for 5 days. On the 6th, they were to gather double so that they would rest on the 7th. If they tried to save extra on the wrong day, it would immediately spoil. If they tried to gather on the 7th day, there would be nothing waiting for them. They had to trust God's plan and depend on Him daily for their needs.
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Let's go back to Jesus. When he tells the disciples to ask God for their daily bread, it should remind them of Exodus 16. This phrase becomes a reminder of God's character as a provider.
"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matt 6:26
The phrase also reminds us of our relationship with God as His children.
"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone?...If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:11 & 13
So ask God for your needs. He won't give you everything you want, but He will provide your needs. Test Him. Ask God for something very specific and see the amazing things He will do, daily.
Grace and Peace,
Natalie Claytor
family.ministries@mtmoriahumc.org
cell: 419.607.3140
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