Developing a Relationship
breaking bread together…
'When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ' Luke 24:30
bread has several significance in The Bible -
from the bible study tools’ website:
bread in The Bible functions as a social bond. the giving of bread to another is a major element of hospitality and serves as a sign of respect and concern
bread was used as part of an offering of thanksgiving to God
more positively, bread frequently stands for God's provision for his people. the practice of setting the bread of the Presence before God expresses this concept. the bread was placed before Yahweh as a token of gratitude for his provision for his people.
as God supplies bread, so he will also supply righteousness to his people (2 Cor 9:10)
above all, Jesus himself is the bread of life; He is the sustenance from God that gives eternal life, after the resurrection, Jesus' eating of bread with the disciples was a token of His victory over death (Luke 24:30 Luke 24:35 ; John 21:13), and Christians after that met on the first of the week for the breaking of bread.
while we haven’t been able to gather together recently, i do enjoy this part of relationships - eating a meal and getting to know each other in a deeper, more meaningful way. it has always held importance in my life, that i don’t believe we can have a true, genuine friendship unless we have. (Gen 14:18 ; 18:6 ; 19:3 ; Deut 23:4 ; Ruth 2:14 ; 1 Sam 25:18 ; 28:24 ; 2 Sam 16:1-2)
i believe we can actually let our guard down, be vulnerable when we are trying to enjoy each other’s company, slowing the pace of life down, satisfying the soul besides our bodies. so many references of Jesus eating with one another - leaders, religious people, sinners, etc.
you can also make out from various passages that it was our dependence on God, our Provider. that as our Lord did, we give thanks for His provisions, He gives us our daily bread for our physical needs; Jesus is the Bread of Life - feeding us spiritually.
spend time with my brothers-in-Christ, the body of Christ, and also non-believers. the latter to share the love of God through His Son Jesus. purposely have a meal with them, break bread, and appreciate that The Lord has placed each in my life and how can i serve them.
dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to get to know those you’ve placed in my life. to spend meaningful time with each other, lifting up, celebrating, crying, and helping however we can. we do so as a reminder of your goodness - protecting and providing for your people, that when we do come together it would be a time of reflection of who you are Lord. in Jesus’ name i pray, amen!