Shattering Toxic Beliefs And Discovering The Real YouSýnishorn

Jerusha Clark:  Shattering Toxic Beliefs and Discovering the Real You  Devotional Day 6

Taste and See

Scripture: Psalm 34:8

As someone who once had an eating disorder, I remember the days when I was so concerned about my carb intake that I would look for the smallest possible piece of communion bread and the scantiest cupful of juice at church. How sad I feel for that younger me. How starving I now see she was for true fulfillment!

When Jesus tells us he is the Bread of Life, he is giving us a beautiful and life-giving image. Take a moment and imagine yourself as a woman hearing Jesus say—for the first time—“I am the bread of life. If you feed on me, you won’t go hungry again.” Try to sense what it would have been like to hear this invitation: “Come! With me you won’t ever feel the ache of hunger again.” Doesn’t that sound so freeing, so right, so true? 

No one comes to Jesus and discovers that the nourishment he gives produces an allergic reaction. No one feeds on the words of Scripture and feels distended. No one needs a special enzyme to digest the Bread of Life. The psalmist urged people to “taste and see that the Lord is good” because he is good. Everything else is like boiled turnips and beet juice compared to the delight of feasting with Jesus. And while Mountain Dew and Twinkies may taste good on the way down, we know what junk food ultimately does to our bodies. God’s nourishment is sweet and satisfying. 

Jesus invites us to feast on the abundance of his house. He offers us generous and lavish love. We cannot, however, stand outside the door and simply admire the feast. No sustenance comes from being an expert on nutrition. No one can eat bread for you. You must take in the Bread of Life yourself if you are to be truly fulfilled. 

Because of Jesus, you and I don’t have to forage on our own anymore. We can feast whenever we like! Though it cost God a great deal, the Bread of Life is free to you and me. Heaven’s bread was purchased at the highest price so it might be offered to you at no price at all. That, my friend, is very good news. 

Why do you think Jesus uses the image of bread to describe himself? What qualities of bread reflect qualities of God?