John 6:47-48 NKJV
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.”
Light shines the brightest in the darkest hours and places, and part of God’s greatness in history has been revealed during the most challenging times. One significant challenge faced throughout history has been famine. Amid this hardship, Abraham witnessed God’s extraordinary provision in Egypt (Gen 12). Despite the famine in Philistine, Isaac was supernaturally blessed in Gerar (Gen 26). Famine compelled Jacob’s family to move to Egypt, a strategic step where God would powerfully reveal greater glories for Israel. Due to famine, Naomi’s family moved from Bethlehem to Moab (Ruth 1). From this place, God chose Ruth, a Gentile bride, to be included in the lineage of our Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!
Despite the food shortage caused by the famines recorded in the Scriptures, God’s hand of provision was upon His people, and His divine purposes were being fulfilled according to plan and schedule, nonetheless. While God provided for the physical food needs of His people throughout the various famines, He had a bigger plan to cater for the spiritual famine of the whole world. Jesus Christ is God’s provision to truly satisfy the spiritual hunger and thirst of men. He (Jesus) Himself said, “…the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (Joh 6:33 NKJV). How do we, therefore, ‘feed’ on God’s Bread from heaven to have life?
We do so, firstly, by believing in Jesus, as indicated in our text. Secondly, God’s written word is also spiritual food; we feed on it to nourish our inner man by studying and meditating on it. It is one thing to have life, but another thing to keep vibrant and active, spiritually speaking. In Christ Jesus, we have life. However, what partly contributes to our staying vibrant and active in matters of life and godliness is feeding constantly on God’s word (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 1:3-4). God’s available provision of Bread from heaven (Jesus Christ), and the Living Waters (Holy Spirit) are given to satisfy every hungry and thirsty soul. Thus, be spiritually nourished and satisfied, for you are already at God’s table in Christ Jesus.
Pst. Emmanuel