Food for Living
“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” –Matthew 4:4 NLT
“Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
I love a good meal. Food that is prepared well brings nourishment and delight. The effects of a delicious meal only last a few hours before our body is asking for more fuel to sustain the next stretch of time. Food is a constant consideration and need.
Jesus went through a season of fasting for 40 days. Scripture says he was very hungry. At that moment, Satan reminds Jesus of His divine power to turn stones into bread and satisfy the extreme physical hunger He is experiencing. Jesus has the power to meet His own hunger needs.
Jesus responds with scripture where God brought provision to the Hebrew people in a form never experienced before or since, Manna. Jesus makes the point that God provides a different kind of food that sustains us in ways that go far beyond the hunger pains longing for the next meal. This food comes from God Himself.
Reflection
Jesus chooses to set aside the physical appetite for food to focus on the spiritual food that God supplies. It equips Him to withstand the most difficult of situations. While physical food is important, there is a deeper provision in the food God provides through scripture, prayer, fasting, and worship. It is food for living in a broken world.
Encouragement
Think of time in God’s word, listening to what He wants to give you, as food to live by. Be careful not to starve your soul. Feed your life in the presence of God and find new strength to live. Consider taking time to set aside physical food for a concentrated focus on spiritual food.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank You for the provision of physical food. Thank You for the deeper food that only You can provide. The food for our soul. Help us to pull up to the “spiritual dining table” regularly. May we grow in our strength to live life by eating the food that comes from You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
-Ed McDowell, CEO Warm Beach Camp Ministries