“Give us this day our daily bread.” -Matthew 6:11
What a powerful verse. In just seven words, Jesus makes a profound statement concerning our need for a daily encounter with the living God. As you know, Jesus is the bread of life. His body was broken for you and I when He died on the cross for our sins–this is why during communion we eat bread because it is a symbol of the Incarnate God, whom we need on a daily basis.
God is our daily bread. He is our strength, life, and sustenance that keeps us living and breathing. Just like we can’t live without food as physical creatures, when we neglect our daily bread of encountering God, our spiritual life becomes unlivable. Jesus told us in John 15 that we must abide in Him. Otherwise, we will not produce any fruit; and branches that do not bear fruit will wither away.
Moreover, Jesus talks about daily bread throughout Scripture. For instance, when the disciples asked him how they should pray, he includes this saying. Furthermore, when Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus rebuked the devil by shouting: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt: 4:4).” We also know that the Israelites were fed daily manna while they were in the desert wilderness for over 40 years. Jesus even calls himself the “Bread of Life.”
Job, a prophet of God, also declares this truth about God and His truth being our daily bread, strength and sustenance. He declares: “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).” Therefore, God’s eternal commandments are even more important than actual food. This is a daily reminder we all need. Let’s pray!
Dear Heavenly Father, you taught us to pray with this in mind: “Give us today our daily bread.” Therefore, O God, provide for us your Word which is our daily bread; let it be like honey to our lips and a soothing aroma to our souls. May we abide in your Word and seek you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. For you are worthy to be praised. Hallelujah. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Devotional written by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)
Conform to Jesus 
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