The loaves and the Lord

The Lord certainly made many loaves one day for a large crowd. One small boy’s lunch fed 5,000 people, and they returned for more food the next day. (Read John 5 & 6).

“Where’s breakfast Jesus?” They loved this welfare bread that cost them nothing. In the original language Jesus says that the people came back to get all “foddered” up again, like animals. When Jesus told of His deeper and greater reason for coming into the world, the crowds left Him.

Jesus asked His disciples, “Will you leave too?” Peter replies, “You have the words of eternal life.” God provides many loaves for us in terms of family, friends, good weather, safe community, travel, automobiles, work, home, clothes and shoes. You name it; all is from His amazing provisional hands. Are you more concerned about having the loaves or gaining heaven from the Lord? Are you “foddered” up with this life?

The Lord gives to believers and unbelievers the loaves needed to support this body and life. More importantly, He wants to remove the soiled sin in our lives. He wants to view us as clean by His cross. Jesus, the bread of life eternal, relieves you of striving for the loaves. He is your strength in depression, disappointment and doubt.

As I write, the carpeting in our church is being cleaned. Can every spot be removed? Only Jesus can remove the spots of sin. Only He can choose to clean us up, as Lord of life and death.

We have many loaves from God in many forms. Don’t let the loaves keep you from missing His forgiveness and mercy for you. He has lived life perfectly for you. He has died for the ugliness of your sin. He has cleaned away death’s grip and the punishment of your sin. He is Lord of the loaves and He is Lord of life eternal. He invites us to come under His wings in a local congregation where we can receive His body and blood poured out for us in Word and Sacrament. The Lord of loaves and the Lord of Lords welcomes sinners, you and I alike, to His gracious presence. Believing upon Him you are safe. See you Sunday.

(The Rev. Kent Puls serves both Grace Lutheran and Mammoth Lakes Lutheran churches. Grace Lutheran Church is located at 711 N. Fowler St. Bishop. Sunday services are at 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (760) 872-9791.)