The Bread of Life

“There is much more of God available than we have ever imagined, but we have become so satisfied with where we are and what we have that we don’t press in for God’s best.  Yes, God is moving among us and working in our lives, but we have been content to comb the carpet for crumbs as opposed to having the abundant loaves of hot bread God has prepared for us in the ovens of heaven!  He has prepared a great table of His presence in this day, and He is calling to the church, “Come and dine.”

• Tommy Tenney, “The Heart of a God Chaser”

I can’t think of a more delightful smell, than that of bread baking in the oven.  That incredible aroma just wraps itself around you, like a very precious hug from a grandchild or someone special.  Smells bring up all kinds of memories and remembrances.  A certain smell can take you back to a place in your memory and it becomes so real that you can see it again.  Bread with its irresistible taste and aroma have made it a culinary delight. 

Whether it is a freshly baked loaf shared with loved ones or a comforting slice of toast on a cold day, bread has the power to nurture both body and soul. 

When the Farmer and I were married 52 years ago, there were some conditions in our vows.  The Farmer’s mother had always made all of the bread in their home.  She had seven children and she had to bake bread almost every day.  She was truly a saint.  Since the Farmer had been raised that way he thought his new bride could also bake all of the bread for our new union.  Since his uncle was the pastor that was marrying us, the Farmer said he would have Uncle Curly put it in our vows.  Because I was young and so in love I agreed to make and bake bread for our family.  I did make our bread until I began to work outside of the home full time. 

The Farmer’s dad enjoyed a really hard crust on his bread.  If his wife had to leave him to tend the bread in the oven for a bit, he always let it stay in the oven until the crust was so hard. 

“Remember, man does not live on bread alone: sometimes he needs a little buttering up.”

• John Maxwell

On November 6, 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared November to be National Family Bread Baking month.  He said, “Bread, the staff of life, both gives and symbolizes sustenance.  Until recent decades the American people baked their bread at home and today many families enjoy this tradition, not simply for its wholesome nutrition but also for its rich association with the well-being and security of family life.”

Bread is pretty amazing.  I think we can all agree on that.  It was pretty amazing in the Bible too.  It is mentioned at least 492 times in the Bible beginning in Genesis and continuing right through Revelation with a variety of meanings and symbolisms.  Jesus declared himself the Bread of Life.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the Bread of Life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

I’ve made many loaves of bread in my life.  That’s perhaps why I am drawn to the story of when Jesus made bread. 

There was a large crowd of five thousand people who had gathered to hear Jesus teach. It was in a remote location outside a small village and the teaching went longer than planned. Soon the sun grew hot and the day grew long and the people were too far from the city to buy themselves food. 

Jesus’ disciples wondered aloud what they would do with this hungry crowd. “You feed them,” Jesus said. But the disciples confronted Jesus with the reality of the situation. There were five thousand people gathered. Even if they could buy all the fish from the local fisherman and all the bread from the local bakery, there would not be enough in this small village. Jesus decided to show them his power. By taking the five loaves of bread and two fish that a little boy had, he made enough bread and fish to feed the entire crowd AND have leftovers. I don’t know what that bread tasted like. But I imagine if the Son of God himself, who invented the idea of wheat and yeast and water, were to make bread then that bread would be unbelievable! 

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them.  Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  Luke 9:16-17

When our family gathers together, Mae-Maw’s rolls are always the most requested item on the menu.  My mother could sure make delicious rolls.  As long as she was able she would gather the supplies and make bread for her family.  Her great grandchildren were always delighted and there were usually none left over. 

Here is the recipe for Mae-Maws’ Buttery Crescent Rolls

1 cup milk scalded         1 package yeast

¼ cup butter                    ½ cup warm water

3 T. sugar                          2 eggs beaten

1 tsp. salt                           4 to 5 cups flour

Add butter, sugar, and salt to scalded milk.  Stir until butter melts.  Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.  Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl.  Add milk mixture, eggs and 2 cups of flour.  Beat with mixer at low speed until smooth.  Stir in flour to make a soft dough.  Knead 8-10 minutes on floured board.  Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise one hour.  Divide in half or thirds and roll out.  Cut with pizza cutter and roll up to make crescents.  Place on greased cookie sheets.  Cover and let rise 30 minutes.  Bake 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.  Brush with butter.  Makes 24-30 rolls.  Enjoy.  Note: we always double this recipe.

Throughout the Bible bread is a symbolic representation of God’s life sustaining provision.  He alone is our true source of spiritual life, both in this present world and in the everlasting life to come.  Even in the Old Testament in Leviticus 24:9 and Numbers 4:7 the Lord gave instructions to build a table called the table of showbread in the tabernacle.  There were twelve loaves of bread on this table on every Sabbath.  This symbolized God’s eternal covenant relationship with his people and his constant care and provision for them. 

Don’t just pick up the crumbs of this provision.  The Lord’s desire for you is that you would savor His fresh bread right out of the oven of heaven.  Will you come and dine at His table?  The invitation is still open.